Obed Vargas stole the show as the Seattle Sounders defeated Minnesota United 4-2 to force a series-deciding Game 3 in their MLS Cup playoff tie.

Vargas both opened and closed the scoring at Lumen Field, where Minnesota threatened to make a stunning turnaround after a thrilling first half.

It took the Sounders just eight minutes to take the lead, with Vargas pouncing on a failed clearance at the edge of the box, before Jordan Morris doubled their lead with a close-range finish.

Danny Musovski made it 3-0 in the 41st minute, but Nectarios Triantis and Robin Lod reduced the Loons’ deficit to just one goal before the break with two quickfire strikes in stoppage time.

Seattle felt Jefferson Diaz should have been sent off on the hour mark after he dragged Musovski down, but the referee chose not to brandish a card.

Nevertheless, Vargas made sure of the win four minutes from time when his deflected strike found its way into the bottom-right corner.

Data Debrief: Seattle bring their shooting boots

After failing to find the back of the net in Game 1, Brian Schmetzer will be delighted with his side’s clinical performance on Monday.

Seattle accumulated just 1.96 expected goals (xG) from 11 shots despite scoring four, while Minnesota produced 0.83 from eight attempts.

And after losing their three previous fixtures against the Loons in 2025, their first victory against Minnesota came at the perfect time.

Seattle’s only home loss this season came against Minnesota, with the Sounders winning more points at home than any other team in the Western Conference.