Everything was ready to go for the Sounders on Sunday.
Except for the actual team.
Seattle, which has admitted multiple times it’s MLS scoreboard watching as it closes its season, knew it — at the least — needed a tie against D.C. United to clinch a playoff berth after a day of losses and ties from Western Conference foes. The Sounders couldn’t manage a tie or a win.
D.C. defeated Seattle 2-0 at Audi Field, and because Minnesota United FC tied with Portland on Sunday afternoon, Seattle remains second in the West.
D.C. hopped on the board first in the 14th minute.