Seattle Sounders vs Sporting KC, MLS Cup Playoffs: Haedo Valdez wins it

It’s called: “Have no fear... because Nelson Valdez is on our team!”

Nelson. Freaking. Valdez.

Realio’s Ratings: Frei refused to be beat

Without an outstanding match from the keeper, the Sounders might be looking at an early playoff exit.

Goal breakdown: Nelson Valdez did little things right

Yep, we are still talking about this goal.

Aftermatch Aftermath: Life isn't fair

In the knockout round of the playoffs, the Seattle Sounders dispatched the visiting Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in a match that was completely without controversy and sarcasm.

Postgame Pontifications: Valdez ensured himself a proper place in Sounders lore

The forward deserves to be remembered as more than a DP flop.

ECS started making tifo before playoff qualification

It was a rather significant risk, but it paid off nicely.

Nelson Valdez was probably offside, but so was Matt Besler

And we’re not exactly going to feel bad about it anyway.

Sounders vs. Sporting KC: Player ratings form

The quick turnaround means there’s no time to waste. Rate away!

Sounders vs. Sporting KC: Highlights, stats, quotes

"I’ve been feeling like a big mountain on top of me all season. Finally with the goal the mountain has gone away and that pressure has been relieved." - Nelson Valdez

Benny Feilhaber gave the saltiest interview ever

But we did agree with this sentiment: "The better team won tonight"

Seattle Sounders vs. Sporting KC: Photos

Nelson Valdez scored the winning goal for the Seattle Sounders as they defeat Sporting KC 1-0 and advance to the Conference Semifinals. Here is our match gallery.

Nelson Valdez’s emotional goal celebration was THE BEST

I'm not crying, you're crying. OK we're both crying.

NELSON FREAKING VALDEZ

Valdez scores his first MLS goal in almost exactly one year.

Nelson Valdez puts Seattle up 1-0 in the 88th

Sounders, Sporting KC both repeat lineups

Both Sounders and Sporting reuse lineups from Decision Day.

Sounders vs Sporting KC, Playoffs: Gamethread

Fox Sports 1 and UniMas are both covering the match starting at 7 PM. Kickoff will be closer to 7:25 PM. There could be Extra Time and kicks from the spot.

Scouting Report: Sporting Kansas City

The Sounders face a very familiar foe in this year’s knockout round match

Presumptive Head Coach Brian Schmetzer addressing the fans

In a speech to the Sounders and to the fans throughout the world.*

Lodeiro prepared “to leave it all out there for the club” in playoffs

No stranger to big games, the Uruguayan is more than ready for his first MLS Cup playoff match

Sounders vs Sporting KC: Three Questions

FoxSports 1 and UniMás are simulcasting the 7 PM Thursday the 27th match. It is also on both English and Spanish radio in Seattle.

Schmetzer praises Ozzie Alonso’s form and fitness

The Sounders coach said that “everything has come together” for the veteran midfielder.

Using magic to predict the MLS Cup Playoffs

Forget about those other 34 games. These are the only ones that matter. Whoever wins will be etched into history forever.

Sounders face long odds to win first MLS Cup

ESPN’s SPI favors Sounders over Sporting KC, but at just 7 percent to win it all.

PRO announces referee assignment for Sounders match

Ismail Elfath will be the man in charge for the match against Sporting Kansas City.

Brian Schmetzer’s postgame speech: ‘We’re not finished yet’

This is only the beginning of the journey.