Varas: San Diego 'Not Hiding' From Eight-Game Winless Slump Ahead of Seattle Clash
San Diego's Playoff Hopes Fade as Winless Streak Stretches On
Mikey Varas insists San Diego FC are not hiding from their troubles as they look to end an eight-game winless streak in MLS against the Seattle Sounders, with only four games left to play and their playoff hopes slipping away.
San Diego sit 12th in the Western Conference on 34 points, just five behind the Colorado Rapids in the final wildcard spot. The expansion side started well after returning from the World Cup break, but have not tasted victory in MLS since August 30, drawing four and losing four of their games since.
They twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the LA Galaxy last time out to keep their playoff hopes alive, though Varas is aware they need to turn their form around quickly if they are to reach the postseason.
"[Against the Galaxy] we created 2.6 xG, and the opponent created 0.6; the math makes sense that you win the game, and we're not winning the game," Varas said after the draw.
"So that's why I say for me, it's a good performance, but it's not enough, and we all know that we're definitely not hiding from that and not saying that everything is OK.
"We know we need wins, and we need wins fast. And I think that we're on our way to making the right steps."
Roldan: 'This Is Our Season Right Here'
Seattle, meanwhile, sit seventh in the West after a stunning turnaround in form following the World Cup hiatus, though they are winless in their last two. A 1-0 loss to FC Dallas was followed by a 1-1 draw with CF Montreal, though they still hold a six-point cushion over Real Salt Lake in 10th.
Captain Cristian Roldan does not want the team to rest on their laurels, and believes they have what it takes to put up a strong fight.
"This is our season right here, the next four games," he said. "We're right at the cusp of making the playoffs and not making the playoffs.
"With four games left against four tough teams, this is our season here. So if we're not ready for these games, if we don't come prepared for these games, we're going to get eaten alive.
"We have to play like it's the playoffs, and we're going to see what this team is capable of in tough environments."
Players to Watch
San Diego FC – Anders Dreyer
Anders Dreyer's goal against LA Galaxy marked his 19th MLS match with at least one goal contribution this season, tied for the third-most in MLS. His 41 matches with a goal contribution since the start of last season rank second only to Lionel Messi's 44 games.
Seattle Sounders – Sebastian Gomez
Sebastian Gomez scored his second goal of the season on Saturday, becoming the fourth Sounders player under 21 to record a multi-goal season. Gomez joins Snyder Brunell (two in 2025), Obed Vargas (three in 2025) and Handwalla Bwana (two in 2018).
Match Prediction and Key Numbers
San Diego posted a shutout win the last time Seattle visited Snapdragon Stadium in April 2025. They have only recorded consecutive regular-season shutout victories at home against four opponents: Austin FC, Colorado, Dallas and St. Louis City SC.
San Diego scored their ninth penalty of the season on Saturday, the most in MLS this season. They have scored 14 penalties across the last two regular seasons, second most behind only the Vancouver Whitecaps' 15 goals from the spot in that span.
They will have to stay alert through to the end of the game, though, as this season 33.3% of the Sounders' goals (excluding own goals) have come from substitutes — a rate that would tie for the highest by any MLS team over the last 20 seasons (2020 Colorado, 10/30).
Opta win probability: San Diego FC 40.3% | Draw 26.6% | Seattle Sounders 33.1%
Prediction: San Diego FC win