In a tournament defined by its odd timing and awkward run-up, the teams who made the least mistakes in early rounds would always be the most likely to go through. The Sounders were not one of those teams against Chicago.
Xavier Arreaga will have to shoulder the brunt of the blame as he misplayed a Fire clearance on the first goal and lost his marker on a corner for the second goal. Still, sloppy play could be found in all parts of the field. Seattle bossed possession (which was largely granted to them by the Fire’s deep defensive shape) but lacked ideas going forward.