As disappointed as we all were with Thursday’s loss, it almost goes without saying that the players felt it even more viscerally. It’s possible no two players felt worse than Osvaldo Alonso and Will Bruin, the two Seattle Sounders who missed their penalties in the decisive shootout.
Both went so far as to issue apologies on Twitter.
I’m sorry Seattle
— Will Bruin (@wbruin) November 9, 2018
I'm sorry Seattle, thanks for always supporting us.
— Osvaldo Alonso (@OzzieAlonso) November 9, 2018
As depressing as social media can be sometimes, the responses were anything but. Of the nearly 1,000 responses to those tweets, virtually all were supportive.
There were fans thanking them:
You are my player of the year. You represent us through and through. Your heart and your passion. It’s everything to us. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
— WILLIAM BRUIN FOREVER (@itsdoctorem) November 9, 2018
Nothing but love for you, Ozzie. Your heart always inspires. Our captain.
— We Are Kyle (@Shieldk2) November 9, 2018
There were fans picking them up:
Not a darn thing to apologize for.... keep your head up, next season we take em all....
— Darla (@snaphappens) November 9, 2018
We love you still the same as we always have. You are our Honeybadger, and the heartbeat of this team, and you always will be that. #EBFG
— Jerry with a Cider⭐ (@SSFCFOTY15) November 9, 2018
And there were gifs. Lots of gifs:
We love you pic.twitter.com/XDSjaFOiNI
— MarykeVanB (@marykevanb) November 9, 2018
Nothing to apologize for!! You played amazing all season and we love you Ozzie!! pic.twitter.com/mqBN1KoK4A
— MarykeVanB (@marykevanb) November 9, 2018
— LP (@LikkitP) November 12, 2018
You are our heart and we love you right back. pic.twitter.com/PLRxiLOcIU
— Laurie (@SeattleOnside) November 9, 2018
Thumbs up, Bruin! You’re a fantastic Sounder and I’ve appreciated your hard work and spirit all season long. pic.twitter.com/aTi7bK6sKQ
— Blaise Sinclair (@blaisesinclair) November 9, 2018
You are and always will be our captain...you’ve done more for the Sounders than anyone. Hold your head high we love you Ozzie pic.twitter.com/urG97o28Ih
— todd kamin (@KaminTodd) November 9, 2018
Te amamos, El Corazón. Please don't feel sad for too long. pic.twitter.com/p2OYdNgmOL
— ADotBirb (@WaitingForDogot) November 9, 2018
Wow, you guys are absolutely amazing. You are not only the best fans, you are all great people as well. I can’t thank you enough for all the support
— Will Bruin (@wbruin) November 9, 2018
The responses served as a bit of a reminder: As frustrating as this season was at times, there was always a community of passionate fans who want to feel good about the team and players they root for.