Kickoff: Who's Seattle's biggest threat in the West?

Seattle are unbeaten in seven after a 3-1 win over Minnesota United. Ari Liljenwall and Jackson Felts discuss whether the Sounders have turned a corner, their biggest threats in the West and Seattle's best XI. New Kickoff every Monday.

September 28, 2026

Ari Liljenwall 1 min read

The Sounders made it back-to-back wins with a 3-1 victory over Minnesota United, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches.

Seattle finally has some momentum. Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák led the way against Minnesota, while Paul Arriola continued his recent run of form as the Sounders now have back-to-back three-point results.

We discuss whether Seattle's seven-match unbeaten run represents genuine improvement or fool's gold, then survey a wide-open Western Conference to determine which contenders the Sounders should actually fear. We also debate Seattle's best XI based on current form, including Arriola's case to start, Hassani Dotson's role in midfield and how the back line should look as Yeimar works his way back.

Finally, they preview Sporting Kansas City and the dangerous André Luiz as Seattle looks to make it three straight wins.