SEATTLE – A grimy match had to be settled the only way possible – penalty kicks.The fourth-seeded Sounders won the shootout 5-4 against fifth-seeded Houston after a goalless draw in Game 1 of the best-of-three opening round Monday. The partisan crowd of 30,026 erupted when defender Alex Roldan mashed the game-winning penalty past goalkeeper Steve Clark.Sounders keeper Stefan … [Read more...] about Sounders outlast Houston in penalties to take lead in MLS playoff series
Analysis: Keys for Sounders to make a deep run in the MLS playoffs
SEATTLE – The fourth-seeded Sounders open the MLS playoffs with a best-of-three series against the fifth-seeded Houston Dynamo beginning Monday at Lumen Field.Here are three keys for the Sounders as they look to capture a third MLS Cup.More MorrisIf a “big game” Jordan Morris exists, he needs to appear now. The veteran forward is playing in his natural position up top instead … [Read more...] about Analysis: Keys for Sounders to make a deep run in the MLS playoffs
Commentary: Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald, staff enter prove-it period after ugly loss
SEATTLE – To conclude an understandably somber seven-minute media session, Mike Macdonald was asked Sunday if the Seattle Seahawks — at their best — can compete with the Buffalo Bills.“I think everybody on that field knows our best can compete with them,” said the 37-year-old first-year coach. “And, look: Buffalo is a great team. They’ve been doing this thing for a long time. … [Read more...] about Commentary: Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald, staff enter prove-it period after ugly loss
Bills rout mistake-prone Seahawks 31-10 in rainy conditions
SEATTLE – Coaches like to be able to say after a loss that at least their team went down fighting.They do usually prefer when the fighting isn’t among themselves.Alas, the sight of Seahawks defensive linemen Jarran Reed and edge rusher Derick Hall arguing on the sidelines late in the first half following a roughing-the-passer penalty on Hall that kept a Buffalo drive alive, and … [Read more...] about Bills rout mistake-prone Seahawks 31-10 in rainy conditions
Dave Boling: Comedy of errors sends Seahawks back to drawing board after loss to Bills
Coach Tom Flores would solemnly step to the post-game podium and shake his head, sorrowfully, apologetically, not really knowing where to start addressing the Seahawks’ problems.Coaching protocol disallowed just coming out and saying the obvious: His team wasn’t good.“We just have to go back to the drawing board,” he used to say.The answer was politic. But everybody knew that … [Read more...] about Dave Boling: Comedy of errors sends Seahawks back to drawing board after loss to Bills