Mayhem ensued from the opening whistle of the Sounders FC’s playoff opener Saturday.
MLS’ switch to single-elimination playoff bracket intensified everything, including the announced 37,722 crowd gathered at CenturyLink Field. No more aggregate scoring. No more second chances with each opponent hosting a home match.
Facing a youthful FC Dallas side, that meant a barrage of goals and scrappy play for Seattle to claw out a 4-3 opening-round win.
Already earning home-field advantage with the No. 2 seed, Seattle will host the winner of Saturday night’s match between third-seeded Real Salt Lake and sixth-seeded Portland on Wednesday.