For at least ten hours after the final whistle blew on the Sounders season, we wore our Rave Green jersey and scarf in mourning, and maybe some denial.

In Houston Sunday, it was another physical match, another scoreless draw after regulation. And ultimately, it was one line drive volley by former USL Sounders player Brian Ching that ended Seattle’s inaugural season 1-0 in extra time.

When last we wrote, we said that an inability to finish scoring chances undid the Sounders on their home pitch. Sunday we saw much of the same, with shots sailing or rolling wide, or being skillfully rebuked by Dynamo GK, Pat Onstad.

We feared this might happen--nearly 30 years of being a Seattle sports fan has conditioned us to think this way--but in our heart of hearts we really thought the Sounders would come back victorious.

Sunday afternoon felt a bit like that October day in 1995 when the Cleveland Indians snuffed out the Mariners “Refuse to Lose” fairy tale run. Remember little Joey Cora weeping in the dugout after the game, being consoled by then-Mariner Alex Rodriguez? After the final whistle, we felt a lot like that, except we were in a half-empty bar (not a dugout), being consoled by a half-empty beer (not a prick).

We just didn’t want it to end.

The irony: playoffs were a bonus we never even expected. Aside from the post-season, the list of Sounders accomplishments this year was already much to be proud of. We’ll begin to focus on that again, and next season soon enough. But for now, we grieve.

The magic carpet ride, as Kevin Calabro would say, is over for 2009. Thanks, Sounders, for a year beyond imagination.

First Kick at Qwest Field is March 25, 2010. Only four months, 16 days and counting.

Other Weekend Sports notes:

If you didn’t see enough roughness in the Sounders/Houston matchups, check out this girl. She will cut you.

The Huskies gave former coach Rick Neuheisel and UCLA their first Pac-10 win of the year. At least we have the Apple Cup to look forward to.

The Seahawks beat the Detroit Lions. Also, a tree fell in the forest.

Filed in News and tagged Football, Huskies, Soccer, Sounders, Sports, UW

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