MLS: Sounders join New York in play-offs, Nashville boost chances

Seattle Sounders booked their spot in the MLS play-offs after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0, while Nashville claimed a crucial win over Montreal Impact.

Defending champions the Sounders secured their post-season berth for the 12th consecutive campaign thanks to goals from Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro on Tuesday.

Ruidiaz opened the scoring for Seattle in the 54th minute, finishing off Nouhou’s cross, after the goal had initially been flagged for offside before VAR intervened.

Western Conference leaders the Sounders doubled their lead six minutes later when Ruidiaz picked out Lodeiro, who finished from inside the penalty area.

These two are UNREAL. @RaulRuidiazM finds @NicolasLodeiro for the goal! #SoundersMatchday | #VANvSEA pic.twitter.com/2ZrutJ36gd

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 28, 2020

Only MLS great and San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski (14) has scored more goals against the Whitecaps in their league history than Lodeiro (six), per Opta.

New York City – fifth in the Eastern Conference – also advanced to the play-offs after Thierry Henry’s Impact lost to Nashville 1-0.

Nashville boosted their post-season hopes after leaving Red Bull Arena with maximum points courtesy of Randall Leal’s 33rd-minute goal.

Don’t blink or you might miss @randall_leal #EveryoneN #MTLvNSH pic.twitter.com/gHjSEyVcal

— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) October 28, 2020

Leal is the fourth Nashville player to score three goals this season, tied for the most at the club, while Joe Willis has kept nine clean sheets this term – more than any other goalkeeper in MLS in 2020.

Expansion franchise Nashville are now seventh in the east and on track to qualify for the play-offs in their maiden campaign.