With the MLS playoff hopes of Chivas USA a long-shot, tonight’s U.S. Cup semifinal against the Sounders in Seattle in front of a sold-out crowd at the Starfire Sports Complex is essentially their season.

Win – and hope the Columbus Crew beats D.C. United in the other semifinal a few hours earlier – and Chivas USA hosts the final Oct. 12. Lose, and their biggest remaining game of the season could well be a friendly against CD Guadalajara Sept. 14 in San Diego.

This is the third U.S. Open Cup meeting in four years between the teams in Seattle with the then USL Sounders winning on the two previous occasions.

In MLS it’s another matter, however. Not only have Chivas USA never lost to the Sounders they haven’t even conceded a goal.

Chivas USA played a young line-up in their 1-0 MLS win Saturday over D.C. United, so if Coach Martin Vasquez rotates his squad a return to a younger starting XI could be in store.

A game preview is here.

Here’s more in a Sounders video preview:

To watch the game live online click here.