The MLS 2016 regular season ended with a much needed win for the Seattle Sounders as they topped Real Salt Lake 2-1 to secure the 4th spot in the Western Conference. The match was also Zach Scot’s last regular season match for the Sounders. Marking the end of a 14 year career that started way back in 2002

Seattle wasted no time. Their first goal of the night came just three minutes in coutesey of a a beautiful sequence from Seattle. Six passes around the box left Mears rushing forwards for a cross. His low ball found Morris who flicked it on with his left foot to a waiting Alfaro Fernandez. The midseason signing calmly tapped it past Rimando for his first goal for the Sounders since coming back.

Salt Lake leveled it not 60 seconds later. Right off the kickoff Plata made a slicing pass to Allen in the box. He laid it off for Mulholland who’s shot took a lucky deflection off Jones and went in for the equalizer.

Despite the quick equalizer the Sounders responded well. Settling things at the back amid numerous fouls before they used their advantage in possession to press the issue.

Seattle’s patience was rewarded in the 31st minute. Lodeiro’s service off the corner found the head of Roman Torres who forced Rimando into a parry save. Cristian Roldan, starting at out of position at right mid, was once again in the right place at the right time and slotted it in for the eventual game winner.

Salt Lake amped up the pressure, pushing for another goal to avoid going on the road for the dreaded play in round. The game became even more physical, forcing referee Baldomero Toledo to pull out multiple yellow cards in a failed attempt to settle things down as the game entered half time. 

With tensions, and tempers, high the second half started the same as the first ended. Lots of tackles and yellow cards in abundance. Salt Lake saw more of the ball, but couldn’t put it to good use. Often passing it around in midfield, seemingly unable to find any open runners.

Subs started to flood the field. Attacking for Salt Lake and defensive for Seattle. It was very much a matter of the Sounders preserving the lead. Which led to many moments of last ditch tackles and few chances going forward as RSL got more and more desperate to grab a goal. 

Buy and large Seattle opted to waste time and shepherd the game out. However there were a few not on board with that idea. Joevin Jones and Nico Lodeiro notable elected to cut in on goal instead of running to the corner flag. Often earning the newcomers a talking to from the more veteran Sounders.

After a few last chance saloon opportunities for RSL Toledo blew his whistle bringing the 2016 regular season to a close. The win cemented Seattle a 4th place berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs. A remarkable, bordering on historic turn around from a team who was sitting in ninth places just a few months ago.

Both teams will have to put the game behind them as playoffs loom large. Real Salt Lake travels to LA to play the Galaxy on Wednesday in their knockout match. The Sounders will place host to Sporting Kansas City just a day later on the 27th as they look to earn their first ever MLS Cup.