The Seattle Sounders traveled to Kansas with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance as they faced Sporting Kansas City. Eliminated from playoff contention, SKC weren’t without motivation. Peter Vermes has had his side playing some quality football over the previous nine games, and with the chance to lock what has oddly become something of a bitter rival into the Elimination Cellar with them, the hosts were playing like a trophy was within their grasp.
From the outset, SKC had Seattle under constant pressure. Stefan Frei was forced into three impressive saves within the first 17 minutes before Seattle managed their first attempt.