MLS Final Week: Sounders Leave Door Open For Rapids, Earthquakes

Did the Sounders get the result they were looking for or did they kill their momentum heading into the playoffs? Only time will tell.

For now all we know is the Sounders will finish the season at 48 points, currently two ahead of San Jose and three ahead of the Rapids. If San Jose loses and the Rapids don’t win, the Sounders will be stuck in the No. 4 position in the West. The Sounders would then play the Supporters’ Shield winners in the first round.

Either a point from the Earthquakes or a win from the Rapids would knock the Sounders into the Eastern Conference where they will face either the Red Bulls or the Crew.

Which of those matchups is the preferable one is certainly open for interpretation, and it seemed as if the Sounders weren’t entirely sure what result they wanted either.

Seattle started strong and forced Dynamo rookie goalkeeper into several saves before James Riley struck from about 20 yards out to give the Sounders an early lead. But the Dynamo equalized with a beautiful Geoff Cameron goal in the 27th minute.

The Sounders seemed poised to regain the lead when Steve Zakuani was set free on a through ball. After tapping the ball past Deric and being clipped in the leg, it appeared as if he had earned a penalty. The referee instead showed yellow to Zakuani for diving.

From that point forward, the Dynamo had the better of play and they took the lead in the 46th minute on a Cam Weaver header. Although the Sounders had their opportunities -- both Blaise Nkufo and Patrick Ianni missed chances near the goal -- they were never able to equalize.