The Seattle Sounders are "ready for whatever the league throws at us" as they aim to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
Fifth place in MLS' Western Conference take on fifth place in the East as Seattle head to New York City FC on Saturday for the final regular-season game of 2025.
Both teams are already sure of their place in the first round of the playoffs.
Seattle are on a three-game unbeaten streak, and forward Jesus Ferreira knows the importance of positive momentum heading into the postseason.
"We're going to go and try to fight for the three points," he said.
"We have a group of guys here that are always ready for whatever the league might throw [at us].
"We have to start thinking like [it’s] playoff time and show that we're here for business. We have to go out there and show what we can do."
It was a sentiment echoed by long-serving Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer, who led the Sounders to the MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019.
"Whatever team we put out there, we're not going to fly all the way to New York just to roll over," he said, as hinting at making some changes.
This is the first regular-season game between NYCFC and Seattle since 2019, though the teams did meet in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
NYCFC – Alonso Martinez
Martinez leads NYCFC in shots (99) and goals (17) this season.
He needs to have just one shot in the finale to become the third NYCFC player with at least 100 shots in a single regular season, joining David Villa (four times) and Valentin Castellanos (once).
Seattle Sounders – Danny Musovski
Musovski is Seattle's leading scorer in MLS this year with 14 goals to his name.
The balance for Schmetzer to strike is whether to risk his star forward, while also needing to ensure Musovski is match sharp ahead of the playoffs.