The Sounders were rooting hard for Montreal to hang onto its lead in the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday, knowing how much hosting MLS Cup at CenturyLink Field would mean to this city and its soccer culture.
The Impact failed to pull off the upset, twice surrendering aggregate leads and falling to Toronto in extra time. And though Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer and a few of his players admitted they were temporarily bummed not to host, once they start digging into the Xs and Os, they might have actually ended up with a more advantageous matchup.
With its ability to control the midfield and speedy wingers attacking the flank, Montreal is the type of team that has typically given Seattle trouble.