NYCFC vs Seattle Sounders FC: How to watch, time, and more of Decision Day 2025

  • NYCFC will play the Seattle Sounders on Decision Day
  • Three points are needed
  • Here is how to watch the match, the time, and more
NYCFC
NYCFC | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

After losing to the Philadelphia Union in the final road game of the Major League Soccer regular season, New York City FC entered Decision Day 2025 with the pressure to win.  The Pigeons needed all three points to have a shot at fourth place in the Eastern Conference.  But their fate is not entirely in their hands, for Charlotte FC has to draw or lose their match to fall in the standings. 

To get the three points, NYCFC needs to beat Seattle Sounders FC.  This will be their first meeting since 2022, when the teams met in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.  In all competitions, the Pigeons have a 2-3-2 record against the Washington side.  It will not be easy since the visitors consistently remain a difficult team to beat.  With players like Danny Musovski, Cristian Roldan, and Albert Rusnák, the Boys in Blue will have to be at their very best.

Plus, as mentioned, the Decision Day scenarios rely on them to win and for Charlotte to drop points.  A win will guarantee fifth place, but fourth is only possible if NYCFC secures three points.  Meanwhile, the team could fall to sixth place if they draw or lose the match, and Nashville SC wins theirs.  In the case of a draw, the Music City team would be even on wins, which is the first tiebreaker.  As such, the next tie breaker is goal differential, and Nashville significantly has more goals.  This would push NYCFC below them.  Then, with a loss, Nashville would have more points.

NYCFC cannot fall to seventh place if they lose and Orlando City SC wins, since the Bronx side has more wins.  But again, the Pigeons do not want to be in a position where they could fall to sixth place.  At the very least, they can somewhat control their fate a little bit and win on Decision Day.  But players will need to step up, and the fans must create a difficult environment for the Sounders.

How to watch NYCFC’s game with Seattle Sounders FC

Date

Saturday, October 18

Time

6:00 PM ET, with an expected start at 6:10 PM ET

How to watch on TV and streaming

The MLS Season Pass via Apple TV

How to watch in person

Fans can head to Citi Field in Queens

How to listen

newyorkcityfc.com/radio or via the NYCFC app

How to follow

If NYCFC supporters cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via MLS Soccer’s timeline and NYCFC’s X account.  Additionally, the club will post updates here and there on Facebook.

Final Notes

This is not ideal, but supporters must be aware of the 7 train closure between 74 St-Broadway, Queens, and 34 St-Hudson Yards, Manhattan.  Alternate travel options are necessary and available, including the use of the LIRR.  NYCFC fans should plan accordingly.