In a vacuum, Seattle might not look like a team built to sustain a deep playoff run. But guess what? Neither does any other club in the Western Conference.
In each of the past few postseasons, these Sounders would be a long shot to win the Western Conference and reach the club’s first-ever MLS Cup.
Seattle will be without Clint Dempsey, its highest-paid and highest-profile player, for the duration of the playoffs due to an irregular heartbeat. Another Designated Player, Nelson Valdez, has become one of MLS’ most well-compensated impact subs, having tallied just two goals in 34 league appearances.