SEATTLE — For the first time in their modern history — dating all the way back to their original rebirth in 1994 — the Seattle Sounders played a game without any playoff implications. It was not a position many of us could have imagined as recently as a couple of months ago, but few could argue it was a well-deserved one.
Perhaps it was fitting, then, that the season finale against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday ended up being a bit of a microcosm of the season.
There was the promising start, a potentially redemptive middle and ultimately a frustrating ending as the Sounders were unable to hold 1-0 or 2-1 leads before settling for a 2-2 tie.