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Sounders bow out in A-League playoffs
Monday, September 18, 2000
By MEREDITH BAGLEY
After fifteen home games without a loss, the Seattle Sounders ran out of home field advantage at an inopportune time, falling 2-1 to the Milwaukee Rampage and ending their season before 1,952 fans at Memorial Stadium.
After losing by the same score in Milwaukee on Friday night, Seattle (19-9-3) needed to win by two goals last night to advance under A-League playoff rules.
"We definitely had enough chances to win," said Seattle coach Neil Megson, whose team held a 27-14 advantage on shots. "I'd rather go out knowing that we got beaten by a better team."
Seattle dominated the first half and led 1-0 on rookie forward Gregory Howes' team-leading 18th goal.
The Sounders had several chances to pad their lead, including two shots that bounced off the right post within five seconds, but failed.
The Rampage (21-9-1) evened the score in the 34th minute when Yuri Lavrinenko's blast deflected past goalkeeper Preston Burpo.
Milwaukee's Brian Loftin scored in injury time to account for the final margin.
"There's no way we should've lost this game," Seattle defender Ali John Utush said. "I've never seen so many remarkable goals in one season but I would have traded them all for one ordinary one tonight."
Despite the early playoff exit, Megson was pleased with the Sounders' season.
"This team got picked to do nothing, and we won the division," he said. "The guys should be very proud."
P-I reporter Meredith Bagley can be reached at 206-448-8211 or meredithbagley@seattle-pi.com
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