The Sounders needed a win or a tie to advance to the playoffs. Only a win would ensure a spot while a draw would have them advance as long as SKC and San Jose didn't both win. The rest of the Western Conference Playoff Picture was up in the air with teams having chance to finish anywhere from seventh to second.

The 3-1 scoreline held and was met with rave reviews from the Sounders fans, who just two months ago were worried their team might miss the payoffs all together. With their seventh consecutive playoff appearance, the Sounders extend their reign as the only team to advance to the playoffs in their first seven seasons in MLS.

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The Sounders came out firing on all cylinders and after a a missed chance in the 5th minute Leo Gonzalez again chipped it over the top to a streaking Obafemi Martins on the left side of the box. The Nigerian looked up and placed a pin-point cross to a double marked Dempsey who eluded his defenders and tapped it by backup goalkeeper Jeff Attinella to put the Sounder up 1-0.

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With Sounder, Portland, and Vancouver wins, along with an LA loss against SKC the Western Conference playoff matchups were solidified and The Sounders will play host to the LA Galaxy in yet another winner advance playoff matchup on Wednesday.

The night also marked the Emerald City Supporters 10th anniversary and they celebrated with a large TIFO display honoring all those members who've passed away while looking forward to the future.

Sounders Dempsey

Sounders Pappa

Sounders Barrett Salt Lake Olave

After three straight disappointing 1-1 draws the Seattle Sounders and 54,435 fans braved the elements to welcome Real Salt Lake to CenturyLink Field on MLS's Decision Day 2015. The Sounders needed a win or a tie to advance to the playoffs. Only a win would ensure a spot while a draw would have them advance as long as SKC and San Jose didn't both win. The rest of the Western Conference Playoff Picture was up in the air with teams having chance to finish anywhere from seventh to second.

The second half started without much fanfare. There were few chances as key players were subbed off for fear of injury. Dempsey departed for Barrett, Alonso for Pineda, and on the RSL side Sandoval and Allen made way as RSL grew tired.

Entering halftime the score was still 3-0 Seattle, but the playoff picture was remarkably different Portland, Seattle, Vancouver stood with the second, third and fourth spots in the West. All Seattle could do was sit back and manage the game while the rest of the games developed. If Portland lost and Vancouver remained tied the Sounders would've slid up to second in the west.

Sounders Tyrone Mears

Manneh put the Whitecaps up on top and Vancouver never lost the lead which earned them the second spot in the Western Conference while bumping Portland and Seattle down to three and four. Playoff positions that would prove lasting.

Sounders Clint Dempsey

Sounders Marco Pappa

With RSL now satisfied due to evading the shutout, and the Sounders more than happy with the three goals, the game finished without many more moments of consequence.

Sounders Zach Scott