Sounders FC Secure Playoff Berth with Draw Against Whitecaps

The Seattle Sounders weren't able to get three points on Sept. 29, but they did clinch their fourth consecutive playoff berth with their 0-0 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Unfortunately for the Sounders, their chances of ending the season with the top spot in the Western Conference are slim to none, and they're now looking at finishing with the second seed at best.

The Sounders had a few chances to score goals, but they just couldn't get anything past Vancouver goalkeeper, Brad Knighton. Fortunately for the Sounders, their defense held up, allowing them to hold on to the third spot in the west.

"Obviously we've done a lot of work all season, so it's great to finally have that officially secured, but our goal is still to get second place so we're disappointed in not getting three points today," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the match. "At the end of the game they had a fantastic chance with Camilo [Sanvezzo] so we can be fortunate that we didn't walk out down. We had some chances as well, the deflected shot by [Steve] Zakuani could easily have gone in as well, we had a couple of other shots as well but [Brad] Knighton came up with some saves."

The Sounders have played four matches in the past two weeks, and they'll now get some much deserved rest. They won't have to suit up until Oct. 7, when they host the Portland Timbers at CenturyLink Field.

With only four MLS games left for Seattle this season, they'll need to make the most of their remaining matches. The Los Angeles Galaxy are currently tied with the Sounders in the Western Conference standings with 49 points, and any mistakes at this point in the season might end up sending the Sounders to the postseason with the fourth seed in the west.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 
Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Mauro Rosales: 'We know that we are in the playoffs with that point…'"