There was a looming sense of impending danger as the Sounders prepared for their clash against a last-place expansion club.
With a club-record shutout streak and eight-game unbeaten string on the line, the Sounders had sounded plenty of warnings about taking Minnesota United FC too lightly. And that proved accurate for most of Sunday night’s rematch until a Clint Dempsey penalty-kick goal with seconds to go in extra time lifted the Sounders to a 2-1 win over an opponent far feistier than its record.
A handball call against Jermaine Taylor on a wild scramble in the box led to the penalty kick being awarded.