Sounders lock fifth seed on Rothrock goal

Seattle Sounders FC vs Real Salt Lake FC (Photo: Paul Kahl)

Seattle Sounders 1-0 Real Salt Lake

SEATTLE, WA–A fourth minute Paul Rothrock goal was all the Sounders needed to defeat Real Salt Lake and lock up the fifth seed in the Western Conference in the MLS Playoffs on a night they raised their Leagues Cup banner. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake have lost six of their last nine league matches and will go into Decision Day in ninth ahead of Colorado on wins with points identical.

Despite missing 11 players to injury and internationals, the Sounders got the early goal as Jordan Morris’s cross eventually found its way to an unmarked Rothrock who bundled it home in the fourth minute. That turned out to be the only goal of the match, but not for lack of trying.

The Sounders were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute after VAR spotted a trip on Morris by Brayan Vera in the box. However, Morris’s spot kick would be saved by Rafael Cabral. Seattle thought they had added to the lead in the 79th minute, but the flag went up for offside.

RSL pushed for an equalizer to improve their position for Decision Day only to be stymied by Stefan Frei who made five saves on the evening. RSL thought that they did get one past Frei in 89th minute, but Willy Agada’s goal would be chalked off by VAR as Victor Olatunji was offside in the buildup.

The Sounders will finish the regular season with a match at New York City FC knowing they will be the #5-seed in the West. Kickoff for that match is 3pm PT on Apple TV. RSL will go into Decision Day in ninth and needing a win at St. Louis to assure their place in the MLS Playoffs. That match will kickoff 7pm MT on Apple TV. Anything else for RSL will open the door for Colorado and/or San Jose to swoop in.

Photos by Paul Kahl

Photo: Paul Kahl