Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — The bad news for the Seattle Sounders was this: They failed to clinch a playoff spot Sunday.
The good news? They get two more chances.
Roland Alberg scored in the 88th minute, Andre Blake collected his ninth shutout of the season and the Philadelphia Union beat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in Major League Soccer action Sunday.
Philadelphia (10-13-9) won for just the second time in its past nine games to keep its slim playoff chances alive. Seattle (12-9-11) needed a win to clinch its ninth straight playoff spot. The Sounders have two home games remaining, against FC Dallas on Oct. 15 and against Colorado on Oct. 22.
Rookie Marcus Epps opened the scoring in the 28th minute. He settled Ilsinho’s pass with his right foot, took a touch and sent a left-footed shot inside the near post from the corner of the 6-yard box.
Jay Simpson’s open header in the 87th was saved by Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei. Moments later, Alberg received a short corner kick from Simpson, dribbled out of a double team and sent in a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box.
The Sounders had their chances in the second half.
Second-half sub Clint Dempsey gave Seattle some energy on offense. He had a shot knocked out of bounds by Blake in the 62nd and Dempsey’s open volley in the 67th sailed over the crossbar.
Will Bruin’s curling shot in the 81st forced a full-stretch save by Blake.
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