Final Score: Seattle Sounders 2-1 Chivas USA

Jesus Padilla pulled one back in stoppage time, but it was still too late for Chivas USA. Goals by Steve Zakuani and Osvaldo Alonso brought the Sounders their fifth straight win, leaving the crowd at the last regular-season home match absolutely ecstatic.

Seattle will have to travel to Houston without the help of star striker Fredy Montero, who received a yellow card in the 84th minute. But the Sounders are really looking ahead to the playoffs, with their first match at home on Halloween. Their thoughts were clearly elsewhere in the second half of the match, giving away a few sloppy balls and, of course, allowing the last-minute Chivas goal. But should Seattle play the same fluid, attack game they demonstrated in the first half, their future opponents should be very worried indeed.

Goalflash: Sounders 2-1 Chivas

Jorge Flores sent a cross to Jesus Padilla, who caught the Sounders napping in defense to put one in the back of the net. Jeff Parke was wrong-footed while Tyrone Marshall was entirely absent.

Be well, Patrick Ianni.

Substitution: Nate Jaqua On, Fredy Montero Off

Sigi Schmid pulls Fredy Montero moments after he has shown a yellow. I’m told a second yellow results in missing playoff matches, so the Sounders must be playing it safe.

Yellow Card: Fredy Montero Booked, Misses Next Match

The referee finally gets into this match to hand Fredy Montero a yellow card for a very soft tackle on Michael Lahood. That’s five yellows for Montero, and he’ll miss the last league match of the season.

Injury Update: Patrick Ianni Has An Ankle Sprain

Cross your fingers, Sounders fans, in hopes that Ianni’s ankle injury is just a little niggle. The defender has been an absolute rock in our back line, and even having him missing for these twenty minutes has shown a weakness in front of goal. Seattle need him fit for the playoffs.

Substitution: Sanna Nyassi Off, Alvaro Fernandez On

At some point Alvaro Fernandez will start an MLS match. I promise. Really.

Please???

Substitution: Patrick Ianni Off, Tyrone Marshall On

Just five minutes into the half and Sigi Schmid has made a substitution. It appears that the knock Ianni picked up in the first half is still bugging him, and so the Sounders will play it safe and bring him off. Ianni is an essential part of the back line and will be needed for the playoffs.

GOALFLASH! Sounders 2-0 Chivas USA--Osvaldo Alonso With His First This Season

Osvaldo Alonso won the ball in midfield before chipping it to Fredy Montero. Montero ran forward before slipping the ball to Steve Zakuani. Zakuani sent the ball back to Alonso, who needed just one touch to send the ball into the net.

Ossie did a great little boogie to celebrate his first goal of the season. He deserved this moment, considering the number of recent long-range efforts that have just barely missed the goal.

Goalflash! Seattle 1-0 Chivas USA

Seattle just keeps getting more and more fun. The Sounders put the pressure on early against Chivas and it’s already paid off. Jeff Parke flicked the ball to Steve Zakuani, who beat not two, not three, but four Chivas players before running around keeper Zach Thornton to put the ball into the empty net.

Match Day: Seattle Sounders v Chivas USA (8 P.M. On ESPN2)

Sigi Schmid just loves to prove me wrong. I was certain that since the Sounders had clinched a playoff berth, some of the starters would rest and the reserves would have some playing time. But with the friendly against Chivas de Guadalajara on Tuesday and the CONCACAF match against Saprissa next week, Seattle's second string will have plenty of time to get some minutes.

According to Jeremiah Oshan at Sounder at Heart, Sigi will run out the typical Sounders starting XI. After all, there's still plenty to play for--a record five straight wins, a higher finish in the division, pride and glory (at least, I assume). The Goats, on the other hand, have no post-season to look forward to, and only pride to play for. However, they're also missing Alan Gordon--suspended for two games for throwing an elbow in the match against Toronto FC--and Justin Braun, who suffered a concussion in the same match.

Even though it's almost certain that we'll see more of Sanna Nyassi today, I hope Sigi takes this opportunity, this game the Sounders don't have to win, to change around some of the field. Keep in the winger who seems to be on a hot streak, but put Alvaro Fernandez into the center. After all, Fernandez changes each match he's been involved in, bringing a coherency to the passing, getting the ball where it needs to go. Besides, Nate Sturgis has seen quite a few minutes recently, and he seems to take a knock in every game. Give him a rest and let's see what the Uruguayan can do in the center.

Oh, and it's fan appreciation day, but if you're not already clutching a ticket, you're almost certainly out of luck. Enjoy watching on national TV (without Arlo, sadness).