When the Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United meet in the Western Conference Final Monday (9:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) at Lumen Field, it will be a matchup of teams seemingly vastly different.
The Sounders have been a model of consistency, both in terms of a 12-year streak of reaching the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and deep runs in the competition. Seattle are attempting to reach MLS Cup for the fourth time in five years.
On the other end are Minnesota United, which enter unchartered territory with each postseason win.
But look a bit deeper and there’s more similar than different, especially when the focus shifts to players who should be difference makers Monday night.
The Sounders big three are much ballyhooed with Nico Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz and Jordan Morris all making MLS Best XI presented by The Home Depot and raising their level even more in the playoffs.
Watch: Seattle "big three" combine for goal vs. LAFC
