Sounders may have played last game

TUKWILA — In the middle of a frenzied postgame celebration of the Seattle Sounders' fourth United Soccer Leagues First Division title, there was a prevailing undertow of finality.

Amid rumors of the club going dark in 2008 before Major League Soccer lands in Seattle in 2009, it appeared fans possibly witnessed history in the final game for the Sounders' storied franchise.

Emerald City Supporters, a Sounders fan group, chanted "one more year" after Seattle dispatched the Atlanta Silverbacks 4-0 on Saturday night at Tukwila's Starfire Sports Complex.

"I think that's in reference to, they want this team to be around next year," said Sounders second-year goalkeeper Chris Eylander. "They want to do it again."

Eylander, who emerged as one of the league's top keepers in 2007, hinted it might be the final match for the Sounders' franchise.

"I'll have to see if I can find a team that wants me," said Eylander, a 2002 graduate of Auburn Riverside High School. "I had a preseason tryout with the Columbus Crew this year, and I have a pretty good relationship with the coach there. I'll just see what happens."

Sounders managing partner Adrian Hanauer wouldn't confirm published reports — including one by Sports Illustrated — that MLS expanding to Seattle in 2009 is a done deal.

"We'll just get ready to win more games," said Hanauer, who remained noncommittal on the prospect of teaming with Hollywood producer Joe Roth for an MLS expansion spot in 2009.

The fans' chant could've been directed at eighth-year USL veteran Greg Howes, who hinted at retirement after acquiring his first outdoor soccer title as a pro.

"I said if I won a championship, this would probably be my last year," said the Tacoma native, who scored twice in the championship rout.

He said he didn't think the fans' chant was for him, "but this type of moment sure makes you want to keep on playing as long as you can."

He said, "I'm sure I can find some more years in me. We're going to enjoy the offseason and we'll see."

Eylander made seven big saves to record his 17th shutout of the season.

"I'm really glad we shut this team out," he said. "It was a convincing win. It really puts a stamp on this thing."