Seattle's 2-2 come-from-behind tie kept the team one point ahead of the Houston Dynamo, who won convincingly against the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1.
The Dynamo haven't lost for six straight games. Seattle is set to take them on at home July 11 in what could prove to be a crucial Western Conference showdown.
To Continue...
Speaking of crucial showdowns, Seattle takes on MLS standings leader Chivas USA two weeks from now in L.A. once again. Last time, Chivas dominated Seattle 2-0. The Sounders will get a chance to welcome Chivas to Seattle Sept. 19.
But this week, Seattle has an opportunity to gain some momentum against the faltering champions when they take on the Columbus Crew at home. The Crew sit at the bottom of the Eastern conference with one win.
And, don't forget what Crew fans were saying about Seattle before the season began. For a reminder, click here.
The Draw
MLSnet reports that the Rapids missed out on three relatively routine scoring chances that should have given them the win.
"The second half, I settled for an early delivery when I was clearly one-on-one, and I know I'm going to have some words with Gary and [assistant coach Steve] Guppy about that. But it's something I'm progressing and getting better at. Hopefully in the next three or four games, if not sooner, I'll be able every single time I find myself one-on-one I'll be able to take it at him and do what I'm working on rather than just settle for an early cross."For every missed Colorado opportunity, keeper Kasey Keller showed why he is one of the best, if not the best, in the league.
"He's a phenomenal goalkeeper," Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid said. "When the game is 1-1 and you keep us in the game and don't allow us to go down 2-1, that keeps the guys in the game mentally. That's the reason he is Kasey Keller. That's the reason he's played so many games for the national team. That's the reason he played so many years in Europe, because he has the ability to do that.Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
