Seattle scoring woes continue in playoffs

Seattle continued to be unable to score goals at home as they were forced to settle for a scoreless draw with Houston Dynamo in the opening leg of the 2009 MLS playoffs.  After a rousing start to their expansion season in Seattle, the Sounders have just been unable to find the net at home the last few months.  Home fans were hoping last week's two goal outburst in a win over FC Dallas would get the ball rolling.  Unfortunately that was not the case.

Houston came to town with a playoff savvy team and knew a draw would be golden heading home for the second leg.  It was a physical affair with six yellows shown and a very strong defensive performance on both ends of the pitch.  Kasey Keller was forced to make some early interventions for Seattle as the home side needed a few minutes to settle in.  The veteran goalkeeper kept the match scoreless and soon enough Seattle would find their way into the match.

After dodging several dangerous Houston set pieces, Seattle created one of their own just before halftime, but Patrick Ianni was denied by the woodwork.  Seattle pushed in the game's dying minutes looking sure to score on several occasions only to see their shot drift wide or be cleared by the stingy Dynamo defense.

Now the two teams head down to Houston for the deciding game on November 8th.  It will be a tall order for Seattle to knock off the veteran Houston side on their home field, but don't count them out.  who would have ever expected such a wonderful season in the first place.