The culmination of Seattle’s MLS regular season proved to be a dramatic and bittersweet affair. The decision to field a strong lineup in the final match, despite some internal debate about preserving key players for the playoffs, ultimately came with a significant cost. While the Sounders did emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, the match was far from a comfortable win. They conceded a late equalizer, a recurring theme that has plagued the team, but luckily, this time they found a last-minute winner that secured the three points. However, the triumph was overshadowed by a devastating injury to pivotal player Pedro de la Vega, who suffered a severe knee injury after a collision on the uneven baseball infield. He had to be carted off the pitch and the prognosis is grim: de la Vega is expected to miss half a year in recovery, a significant blow to the team’s aspirations as they head into the playoffs. His absence will definitely be felt, given his ability to unlock defenses and provide crucial attacking impetus. It’s particularly disheartening as the Sounders had built momentum heading into the postseason. Their resurgent defense was a key factor in their three consecutive wins to...