That’s the verdict of ESPNsoccernet columnist Ives Galarcep, who files this report on the MLS playoff race.

Here’s what he has to say about the Sounders:

SEATTLE SOUNDERS (9-7-11, 38 pts)

Games Remaining (3): at Columbus, at Kansas City, vs. FC Dallas

Outlook: The Sounders continue to play quality attacking soccer, but poor finishing and defensive breakdowns have a seeming playoff lock still fighting for the postseason. Seattle is currently enduring a 1-2-3 slump and in an ironic twist, the Sounders must try to gain at least a point from their upcoming visit to Columbus, where head

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The Seahawks may be 0-1 in green, but the Sounders are unbeaten (1-0-1) when wearing their blue kit.

And Sounders FC will be in blue again Saturday in Columbus, where the Crew’s bright yellow might have created a visual health hazard when paired against rave green.

The Sounders made their blue debut Aug. 15 and beat LA, 2-0. Then they wore it again in their 1-1 draw Aug. 23 in Houston for a 1-1 draw.

The team had worn all green in its first 10 road matches.

The Associate Press is reporting that New England captain Steve Ralston suffered a season-ending knee injury Saturday against the Sounders.

Here’s the report.

Fredy Montero’s twisty 35-yard goal against New England is among the nominee’s for the MLS Goal of the Week.

You can see all the nominees and vote by clicking in here.

The Sounders are off again today before returning to the practice pitch tomorrow.

So, while not expecting any news out of SSFC today, we can use the time to look ahead.

I, for example, can get a head start on practicing the question that will be most-asked at Starfire this week: “So, Sigi, how does it feel to be returning to Columbus?” “So, Sigi, how does it feel to be returning to Columbus?” “So, Sigi, how does it feel to be returning to Columbus?”

And speaking of Columbus, a couple of links:

The Columbus Dispatch.

The official …

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Update: Shalrie Joseph was selected MLS Player of the Week following his two-goal performance in New England’s 2-1 win over Seattle on Saturday.

Here’s the report from the MLS website.

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The San Jose Earthquakes beat D.C. United this afternoon, 2-1, keeping the Sounders in seventh place in the eight-team playoff race.

Seattle Sounders FC hasn’t spent one day of its short and happy history out of the top eight teams in the MLS standings … nor therefore out of playoff position.

However, that day could arrive as early as Wednesday.

The Sounders awoke this morning ranking seventh in the league’s points race, and they could fall to eighth by early afternoon if D.C. United beats San Jose. (Update: Quakes 2, DC 1. See new post above.)

If that happens (Update: It didn’t), then the Sounders would trickle down to ninth place on Wednesday if New England wins at …

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