COMMERCE CITY — A remarkable turnaround season that saw the Rapids emerge as the surprise team in Major League Soccer ended Sunday in the Western Conference finals when the Seattle Sounders posted a 1-0 win at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to earn passage to the MLS Cup Final.
An uncharacteristic defensive gaffe by a usually staunch Colorado defense that gave up only seven goals in 18 previous home games this season gave Seattle a crucial away goal in the 56th minute, meaning the Rapids would have to score twice in 34 minutes just to force 30 minutes of extra time.