The last day of the 2023 regular season had some incredible moments throughout the league. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Descion Day this entertaining! Adding to the entertainment was the Sounders securing second in the West after a commanding performance in St. Louis. I don’t think anyone, myself included, thought the Sounders would get second place after the season they had. Maybe that makes me a bad fan, but based on what I was seeing, there was no way the Sounders would end up second in the West, let alone do it while also going undefeated in nine games.

But alas, here we are: partying in St. Louis, laughing at the Timbers, and enjoying our last moments with Nico… I’m not crying; you’re crying.

St. Louis City locked up first place in the West three weeks ago. Their final home match was meant to have an air of celebration for one of the most successful expansion seasons in MLS history. However, the Sounders, who still had something to play for, went to spoil the celebrations and have a party themselves.

St. Louis controlled the opening five minutes, but following a dangerous moment courtesy of Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris in the 5th minute, Seattle started to put their stamp on the game.

A few more chances came for both sides as the half wore on, but the Sounders opened the scoring when Rusnák finished off a fantastic team goal that included Atencio, Jordan Morris, and the Brothers Roldan. The passing sequence had shades of Seattle’s early season exploits as Alex Roldan found Cristian, who played the ball out to the wing for Atencio; Atencio hit a first-time pass to the feet of Morris, who kept the ball moving for Cristian, and he carried the ball into the box and cut it back for Rusnák to slot into the back of the net.

This play reminded me of good times and made me hope for more of it in the playoffs.

Holding a 1-0 lead, Frei was tested a few times and came up with a few saves to preserve the advantage, most notably a rifled shot from the top of the box after a failed clearance. Reed Baker-Whiting repaid Frei’s work in goal by creating an own goal to double Seattle’s lead in the 38th minute! From his not preferred left back position, RBW picked up a pass in the midfield and carried the ball down the flank, playing a give-and-go with Léo Chú to get into the box before attempting a cross that Tim Parker deflected into his own goal, giving the Sounders a 2-0 lead.

There was plenty of action in the second half! Not as much as the first, but it was entertaining, from near chances for both sides to Atencio rugby tackling Aziel Jackson to Alex Roldan and João Klauss nearly exchanging fisticuffs. But in the end, the 2-0 scoreline stood until the final whistle, and the Sounders celebrated securing second place and sang Jingle Bells for the last time in the regular season.

Post Match Thoughts

End of an Era

This one actually hurts.

In the previous article, I talked about the signs pointing to him leaving at the end of the season, but I, along with literally everyone else, was speculating. Nico Lodeiro confirmed that he is leaving Seattle at the end of the season after the playoffs. Niko Moreno was the first to report on it in partnership with SounderAtHeart, so I’ll leave all the main details to them.

But what stands out to me is that Nico wanted to retire as a Sounder. He’s been talking about that for a couple of years now, and we all expected that to happen. The FO had different ideas. My understanding is that Nico had expressed interest in renewing for one more year with lower playing time AND lower wages. I don’t get why you’d let a club legend walk away, especially knowing all that. I don’t understand.

I’m sure we’ll get more info as time comes and we get closer to his departure. Of course, I will write an article laying out everything once we learn more and hear from Craig Wrabel. But until then, let’s cherish the time we have left with Nico and send him off with another trophy.

One last thing…

Build him a fucking statue.

Frei Masterclass

With his 14th clean sheet this season, Frei now sits at the top of the league and sets a personal best and a club record for most clean sheets in a single season. Plenty of credit for this one and the 13 that preceded it goes to the backline and the team defense that Frei likes to talk about, but the Sounders GK earned his honors.

Against St. Louis, he wasn’t called on to make too tough many saves, but his five saves and command of the box ensured Seattle’s second-place finish and a big road win to go with the monumental shutout. Frei has shown over and over this season that he’s far from finished and that the team’s in good hands while he’s between the posts, and this record is further proof of that.

Frei is another club legend whose contract is up at the end of the season and has proven that he deserves an extension. While Frei is getting up there in age, he has shown he is still a top-five GK in the league. If the Sounders FO does not give him that.

"I'm trying to showcase what I'm capable of...if there are people or teams that appreciate what I bring to a team, that's great. You have to do your talking on the field."

Timbers lol

The Timbers missed the playoffs for a second year and did it gloriously with a 3-1 loss AT HOME. It’s just too funny, and I can’t help but laugh. And no Timbers fans, I’m not happy cause I’m “scared to play you.” I’m happy cause you’re just so shit.

“I almost forgot Portland is not in playoffs. That’s a bright spot for my night."