The postgame celebrations were subdued. Some handshakes, a few smiles, some short nods from the sideline to acknowledge the win. There was nothing in the wider body language to indicate this was anything other than a routine win at midweek over the team with the worst record in MLS.
But the undercurrent flowing beneath it all was far more significant. Indeed, Wednesday’s win was the Seattle Sounders’ most momentous of 2016.
For the first time all year, Seattle is above the thin red line. At least for the next few days, the Sounders are officially inside the playoff picture.