This is how it ends for Sporting Kansas City.
New year, new opposition city, new circumstances. But a recognizable conclusion.
For the third straight season, Sporting Kansas City's playoff run was halted before it ever left the starting blocks. It was nearly as cruel an ending as the past two.
Seattle struck in the 88th minute Thursday, the difference in a 1-0 victory against Sporting KC in the Western Conference knockout round.
Seattle forward Nelson Valdez connected with a cross from Joevin Jones less than 10 minutes before the whistle — and replays showed Valdez appeared to be offside.