Sounders defeat Houston, clinch playoff spot

Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 Houston Dynamo

SEATTLE, WA–For the 15th time in 16 seasons, Seattle Sounders FC will be in the MLS Playoffs following a 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo. The Sounders jump past Houston into fifth place in the Western Conference and are just two points out of second position after winning nine of their last 12 league matches. Houston sees a five-match unbeaten streak snapped in the process.

Paul Rothrock got the game’s only goal in the 22nd minute after he picked up a ball in the box and beat Steve Clark near post. Jordan Morris nearly added a second at the half hour mark, but his shot went off the post after a cross from Rothrock. It was mostly one-way traffic in favor of the Sounders who had multiple chances to add to the lead.

With the playoff spot sealed, the focus is now on the Cascadia Cup. The Sounders need to win on Wednesday at Vancouver (7:30pm PT, Apple TV) and then on October 19th at home vs. Portland to claim the Cascadia Cup. The Whitecaps will claim the Cup on Wednesday with a win.

For more of Paul Kahl’s and Nate Koppleman’s photos, please click on their respective names to check out their full galleries.