With Seattle’s win today, Toronto FC are officially out of the MLS playoffs for the fourth season running. While the Sounders have yet to mathematically clinch their own playoff berth, if Kansas City loses to the New York Red Bulls today, the Wizards will be nine points back with four left to play. In other words, Seattle Sounders are sitting pretty (cross fingers to avoid a jinx).
Although Toronto opened the scoring with a goal by Dwayne DeRosario, the Sounders dominated the match, making a mockery of the Toronto defense. If it wasn't for Stephen Frei in goal, Seattle could have had at least another two to its name. Yet somehow, against the run of play, Chad Barrett scored in the 88th minute, unnerving Seattle and reviving Toronto somewhat.
Fortunately, Toronto couldn’t find an equalizer, and Seattle’s Swissman was greater than Toronto’s. Blaise Nkufo adding another goal to his tally, making five goals in three matches. Goals from Steve Zakuani and Sanna Nyassi bookended the one from Nkufo.
The match marked the 30th consecutive sellout for the Sounders in MLS play, with a full house watching Seattle take its point total to 42.