On one of those warm Saturdays that make the fall in Seattle so worthwhile Seattle took on Toronto FC. Toronto are one of the teams on the outside looking in on the playoff race. Sounders win and the playoffs are all but coming to Seattle, a Toronto win and the picture becomes a little more complex. In league terms it’s a “six-pointer”.
This was also the last weekend of the baseball regular season and the M’s were on track to 101 losses and the second worse record in the league behind Pittsburgh and their 103 losses. I only saw three games this year, but two of them were wins, I count myself among the fortunate.
In the end Seattle had plenty, the 3-2 result looked closer than the game was. Seattle went behind to a Dwayne De Rosario goal early on, Keller was pissed at his defence, I think with good reason as they seemed to be playing flat across the back and De Rosario slipped past them with a well timed run.
Seattle then scored three. Zakuani slotted home with a very nice finish. Nkofo does what he’s paid to do and scored with a strong header from a well placed corner. Lastly for Seattle was Sanna Nyassi’s first goal for the club, long overdue and followed by quite the celebration.
There was a little worry, once again Montero did not have a great game, he seemed to be missing something, a little confidence perhaps. He’s a natural goal scorer and will find his touch again. Seattle played solid football, they held possession well and the back four especially had an exceptional game as Toronto threw everything they had at them in the second half.
Beating Toronto was not the only result that went Seattle’s way on Saturday. San Jose could only manage a draw against Columbus. Then Kansas City lost in New York. Lastly, the icing on the playoff cake for Seattle was Colorado loosing to D.C. United. All the results Seattle wanted came together.
End result of all the math is that Seattle clinches a playoff place in Kansas City next weekend with a draw or better.