Sounders Aim to Avoid Early MLS Playoff Exits in 2026

Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas looks to redeem himself after last season's heartbreaking loss.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Seattle Sounders are determined to avoid another early playoff exit in the 2026 MLS season. Last year, goalkeeper Andrew Thomas subbed in late in a decisive Game 3 match against Minnesota United, but was unable to prevent a 3-3 draw that eliminated the Sounders from the postseason. The team is hoping to turn the page on that disappointment and make a deeper run in the playoffs this year.

Why it matters

The Sounders have been one of the most consistent MLS franchises over the past decade, making the playoffs in 9 out of the last 10 seasons. However, they've struggled to advance past the early rounds, with several heartbreaking losses in recent years. Fans are eager to see the team finally break through and compete for the MLS Cup.

The details

In last year's playoff match against Minnesota United, the Sounders were leading 3-2 late in the game when head coach Brian Schmetzer subbed in backup goalkeeper Andrew Thomas to try and protect the lead. But in the final minutes, Thomas was unable to stop a game-tying goal, and the Sounders were eliminated in the penalty kick shootout that followed.

  • The Sounders' 2026 MLS season will begin in March.
  • The MLS Cup Playoffs are scheduled to take place in November 2026.

The players

Andrew Thomas

The Sounders' backup goalkeeper who was unable to preserve the lead in last year's playoff loss.

Stefan Frei

The Sounders' starting goalkeeper who was subbed out late in the decisive playoff match against Minnesota United.

Brian Schmetzer

The head coach of the Seattle Sounders who made the controversial decision to sub in Andrew Thomas late in the playoff game.

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What they’re saying

“It's still fairly raw, the way last season ended for us. But we're using that as motivation to come back stronger this year.”

— Andrew Thomas, Sounders Goalkeeper (The Spokesman-Review)

What’s next

The Sounders will open their 2026 MLS season on March 1st against the Portland Timbers. All eyes will be on the team's performance in the playoffs later this year as they look to finally break through and compete for the MLS Cup.

The takeaway

The Seattle Sounders have been one of the most successful MLS franchises of the past decade, but their inability to advance deep into the playoffs has left fans frustrated. This year, the team is determined to finally get over the hump and make a run at the MLS championship, with goalkeeper Andrew Thomas looking to redeem himself after last season's heartbreaking loss.