2020

12 & Counting: Looking back at Sounders FC’s MLS Cup Playoffs performances

Frei two MLS Cups

Plenty has been said about Sounders FC’s playoffs streak: 12 MLS seasons, 12 postseasons.


It’s unprecedented, impressive and historic. And in the past half decade, a new word has emerged: dominant.


In the first half of this playoffs streak, an unsettling trend of postseason disappointment grew with each late autumn defeat. By the time Schmetzer took over in 2016, the Rave Green had reached seven straight postseasons, losing twice in the Western Conference finals and ultimately failing to reach MLS Cup. In the four seasons since, Seattle has played in the league final three times.


Let’s do a quick review of the club’s MLS postseason history.




2009 – 2015


2009:


Regular Season: 12-7-11, 4th in West


Result: Lost Conference Semifinals vs. Houston Dynamo (0-1 aggregate)


2010:


Regular Season: 14-10-6, 4th in West


Result: Lost Conference Semifinals vs. LA Galaxy (1-3 aggregate)


2011:


Regular Season: 18-7-9, 2nd in West


Result: Lost Conference Semifinals vs. Real Salt Lake (2-3 aggregate)


2012:


Regular Season: 15-8-11, 3rd in West


Result: Won Conference Semifinals vs. Real Salt Lake (1-0 aggregate); lost Western Conference Championship vs. LA Galaxy (2-4 aggregate)


2013:


Regular Season: 15-12-7, 4th in West


Result: Won Knockout Round vs. Colorado Rapids (2-0); lost Conference Semifinals vs. the Portland Timbers (3-5 aggregate)


2014:


Regular season: 20-10-4, 1st in West


Result: Won Conference Semifinals vs. FC Dallas (1-1 on aggregate, through on away goals); lost Western Conference Championship vs. LA Galaxy (2-2 on aggregate, fell on away goals)


2015:


Regular season: 15-13-6, 3rd in West


Result: Won Knockout Round vs. LA Galaxy (3-2); lost Conference Semifinals (3-3, 2-4 on penalty kicks)


2016:


Regular season: 14-4-6, 4th in West


Result: Won Knockout Round vs. Sporting Kansas City (1-0); won Conference Semifinals vs. FC Dallas (4-2 aggregate); won  Conference Finals vs. Colorado Rapids (3-1 aggregate); won MLS Cup vs. Toronto FC (5-4 on penalty kicks)


2017:


Regular season: 14-9-11, 2nd in West


Result: Won Conference Semifinals vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2-0 aggregate); won Conference Finals vs. Houston Dynamo (5-0 aggregate); lost MLS Cup vs. Toronto FC (0-2)


2018:


Regular season: 18-11-5, 2nd in West


Result: Lost Conference Semifinals vs. Portland Timbers (4-4 aggregate; 2-4 on penalty kicks)


2019:


Regular season: 16-10-8, 2nd in West


Result: Won First Round vs. FC Dallas (4-3); Won Conference Semifinals vs. Real Salt Lake (2-0); Won Conference Final vs. LAFC (3-1); Won MLS Cup vs. Toronto FC (3-1)


2020:


Regular season: 11-5-6, 2nd in West


Result: Will face LAFC in Round One on November 24 (7:30 p.m. PTL; ESPN)

2026 Season Membership Deposits

2026 Season Membership Deposits

Feel the pull of the Sound and step into something bigger. 2026 will continue to put Seattle soccer on the world stage, so there's no better time to join the Rave Green and grow with the Sounders legacy. Secure your seat alongside the best fans in MLS.

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Come out to Lumen Field to watch your Seattle Sounders take on Portland with this special ticket offer sponsored by Michelob Ultra. For just $40 + Taxes & Fees, get two tickets & two beers for the match. For 21+ fans only and drinks must be picked up in the North Plaza 21+ beer garden prior to kickoff.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Add a limited-edition Cascadia Rivalry t-shirt to your ticket to the Portland Timbers match. Matchday pick up info will be communicated prior to the match via email.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.