Sounders Have Uphill Battle

Part of me wanted to reflect on the 2010 Sounders in a positive light this morning. I wanted to remember opening night when we once again had Qwest Field rocking. I wanted to remember when we sat in last place with a 4-8-2 record and the subsequent run we went on to end the season. I also wanted to remember our terrible showing in Champions League and of course of US Open Cup victory. But then I realized that by thinking about the season as a whole, I was conceding our game this weekend. That is not something I want to do. Sure, we have an uphill battle if we want to advance to the Western Conference Finals, but if there is a team in the league capable of winning on the road when hope looks lost, its the Sounders.

We have had a terrible time against the Galaxy this year. In all competitions, we are 1-3-0 against LA with our only win coming at Starfire in US Open Cup action. In MLS, we have been outscored 8-1 in three games. In order to advance, we need to reverse the trend. There is no such thing as a moral victory for this team anymore. The bar has been set high - we want trophies. Failing to get out of the first round would be a failure. I know some might think that is a little over the top, but I believe it. US Open Cups aside, MLS teams have one thing to shoot for -the MLS title. Not only have we never won a playoff game, we have never even scored. Not one goal in three games.

That of course is what makes this seem like an impossible task. We need to beat the Galaxy in regulation. If we lead by 1 goal, we go to OT and then a shootout. If we lead by 2 goals at the end of regulation then we win the series. It's that simple. Unfortunately, winning by 2 goals seems highly unlikely giving that we have only one goal against LA in 3 games this year and 0 goals in 3 career playoffs games...surely that won't happen.

But then again, it might just happen. That is the beautiful thing about sports, and especially soccer. Nothing is ever guaranteed. We saw Kasey Keller horribly mishandle a ball against LA in May, so who is to say that Donovan Ricketts won't do the same. Or that Eddie Lewis won't score an own goal. Or simply that Steve Zakuani, Fredy Montero and Blaise Nkufo show up in the biggest game of the year and run the Galaxy off the field.

LA has Donovan, Beckham and Buddle -they are a good team, but I truly believe in my heart that if we show up to play and get one break to go our way, we won't be contained. Call it lack of confidence in LA's defense or call it total confidence in our offense, but I think we can get it done. And we have to get it done or there will be no competitive soccer for the rave and green until March.

[UPDATE - I am just got word that SJ went to NY and erased a 1-0 aggregate deficit to win 3-2. Frustration with MLS playoff seeding aside, this has to be promising for the Sounders in their attempt to move on]