In the span of 10 fateful minutes last Sunday down in Frisco, Texas, the Sounders went from the verge of a playoff berth … to needing a draw against Real Salt Lake this weekend … to suddenly needing nothing short of victory to ensure an eighth consecutive postseason berth.
Carlos Ruiz’s 89th-minute game-winner for FC Dallas was the real killer. If a point was all Seattle needed from the regular-season finale, it would have felt very secure with its chances.
Salt Lake is winless in six matches dating back to August. In its last five games, RSL has managed just a single goal.