Sounders' season ends after 1:0 playoff loss in overtime; offseason goal should be...goals

November 8, 2:47 PMSeattle Soccer ExaminerDavid Falk

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Kasey Keller dives in the first half at Houston as Dynamo player Dominic Oduro 's shot hits the post. (SoundersFC.com photo)

The inaugural season of Seattle Sounders FC has come to an end after a 1:0 overtime defeat at the Houston Dynamo. Gonzaga graduate and former Sounder (2002) Brian Ching scored early in overtime to carry the Orange.

Update: LA edges Chivas USA, Western Conference will pit Dynamo v. Galaxy.

It was a match the Sounders never really played well in, never found any rhythm in, never found their feet on offense in.  It is clear that after the goodbyes of the season that job number one will be for Hanauer and company to find attacking players who can both create and finish. The 2009 Sounders were built to score goals and entertain and yet ended up having a solid defense with a lack of production up front. You would think a roster with Ljungberg, Montero, Zakuani and Jaqua would be a potent one, but after league defenses learned how to mess the Seattle attack up, Seattle never came up with an answer. Is the eventual answer to remain patient and hope a second season brings better team work? Or, have the Sounders brass seen enough zeros on the scoreboard to bring in more talent?

The second leg  against Houston was a plodding affair with unattractive play on both sides and precious few chances created. It harkened back to the way Seattle played during its string of goalless matches at Qwest Field between July and October. It ended a very nice debut season with just a bit of a sour taste.

The Sounders accomplished so much in establishing their club and franchise in 2009. They led the league in attendance, had high TV ratings numbers, won the United States Open Cup, and qualified for the Major League Soccer playoffs. All of this despite the drought of goals from July onwards.

Now Sounders FC fans can look forward to hosting MLS Cup and seeing the next MLS Champion crowned in person at Qwest Field, even though that winner will not be wearing Rave Green.

It was a fun debut season. If not for the lack of goals and paltry overall offensive display in the final months, it could have been even better. As first run-outs go, though, It was a winner.

Here's to much more to come.

This entry will be updated as links and video become available.

Seattle P-I: Sounders' season over after 1:0 loss

Goal.com: Houston & Seattle player ratings

Goal.com: Houston ousts Seattle with extra time Ching volley

Seattle Times: Season ends under dark skies

SoundersFC.com: Match play-by-play

MLSnet.com: 5th time's a charm for Dynamo

Freddie Ljungberg and the Sounders offense just couldn't get any cohesion during the shutout loss in Houston. (SoundersFC.com photo)