Seattle Sounders 0–0 New York Red Bulls | MLS Match Analysis

September 6, 2026 | Lumen Field, Seattle

Result Summary

A hard-fought stalemate at Lumen Field saw Seattle Sounders and New York Red Bulls share the spoils in a goalless draw. Despite Seattle's commanding presence in attack, neither side could find the breakthrough, leaving both teams with a single point from what proved to be an industrious and at times combative fixture.

Match Analysis

Seattle dominated the statistical landscape in this encounter, yet were unable to convert their pressure into goals. The Sounders generated an impressive 20 total shots compared to New York's 9, with 6 shots on target to the visitors' 4. Their 9 corners and 16 key passes — more than double New York's 7 — paint the picture of a team that controlled attacking momentum for long stretches. Despite 52% ball possession and an 80% successful pass rate, Brian Schmetzer's side were ultimately frustrated.

The first half saw the Sounders deploy Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák in their attacking shape, with Kalani Kossa-Rienzi also featuring before being replaced by Snyder Brunell on 38 minutes. The half-time whistle brought another change, with Sebastian Gomez introduced for Morris, signaling Schmetzer's desire to inject fresh energy into the attack.

New York's Michael Bradley set up his side to be resolute and physical. Three yellow cards for the Red Bulls — Ronald Donkor (45+3'), Justin Che (50'), and Julián Andrés Bazán Medina (63')** — all for fouls, reflected a willingness to do whatever was necessary to contain Seattle's threat. Despite their disciplinary issues, New York defended with enough organization to keep their sheet clean.

The visitors also moved decisively from the bench, introducing Cameron Harper and Jean-Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting at 67 minutes, followed by Emil Forsberg and David Ruiz at 74 minutes. This flurry of changes reinvigorated New York's attacking options in the closing stages, and they finished with 9 shots — respectable for a team under sustained pressure. Seattle's Paul Rothrock picked up a yellow card on 81 minutes before being replaced by Paul Arriola three minutes later, while Hassani Dotson had also come on for Cristian Roldán at 77 minutes as Schmetzer sought a late winner.

Attacks were perfectly level at 88 apiece, though Seattle's edge in dangerous attacks (62 vs. 52) underscores how close they came to finding a decisive moment. Ultimately, Ethan Horvath and the New York defensive unit held firm.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match forecast called for a 1–1 draw, with a 25% probability assigned to the draw outcome — and while the scoreline differed slightly from our predicted 1–1, the result itself was correctly identified as a stalemate. Prediction outcome: CORRECT. With a confidence rating of 50/100, the model appropriately reflected the tight, unpredictable nature of this contest. The even attacking statistics and New York's physicality were signals that a low-scoring or goalless result was firmly on the cards.

Key Takeaways

• Seattle dominated possession and chances but lacked the clinical touch to reward their pressure — 20 shots yielding zero goals is a concern for Schmetzer.
• New York's defensive discipline, despite three yellow cards, was ultimately effective. Bradley's tactical substitutions also provided fresh legs at a crucial stage.
• 16 key passes for Seattle vs. 7 for New York highlights the home side's creativity, but cutting through a committed Red Bulls defense proved one step too far.
• A point each keeps both clubs in the mix, but Seattle will feel this was two points dropped at home.