Sounders turn sure win into tie

For so long, things went perfectly for the Seattle Sounders.

But ultimately an early goal and a long stretch of lockdown defense went to waste.

A goal just before the end of regulation gave the Richmond Kickers a 1-1 tie and spoiled what looked like a sure home win for the Sounders in last night's United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division match before 2,446 fans at Qwest Field.

Seattle won the season series with the Kickers 1-1-0 and a 3-1 goals edge.

The Sounders (9-4-9), who started a significantly different lineup, blew a chance to break a tie for third place in the USL First Division. Richmond (10-7-6) remained tied in third with Seattle at 36 points.

Seattle still earned the advantage over Richmond should a top placing for the playoffs come down to a head-to-head tiebreaker. But the Sounders missed a chance to get closer to second-place Rochester (40 points).

The Sounders' locker room was like a morgue after the disappointing tie.

"We got an early goal, which was good, and we haven't had that in a while, but we just didn't finish it off," said Sounders midfielder Kevin Sakuda. "That was a tough one. It's disappointing not to get three points."

A nice run up the left side by Sakuda produced an open-net goal by rookie Brent Whitfield for a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute. The earliest goal of the season for Seattle came when Whitfield took a left-footed pass at the right post and tapped it into the net when Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was drawn toward the left post by Sakuda.

Whitfield's fourth goal in USL First Division play — and sixth overall including exhibitions and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches — ended the Sounders' streak of scoreless soccer at 332 minutes.

Richmond defender Pete Luzak tallied the 1-1 equalizer in the 89th minute off a quick free kick from reserve Mike Burke on the left side.

The free kick — set up by a foul on Billy Sleeth — from about 33 yards out hit Luzak in stride just inside the 6-yard goalkeeper's box and he headed it inside the right post.

Richmond extended its scoring void to 567 minutes before breaking through with the late goal.

"Teams that go far in the playoffs and win championships understand they can't let a guy get free in the 6-yard box with two minutes left in a game," Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said. "Those types of mistakes are unacceptable. I thought the game was going well. We knew what was riding on this game."

Roger Levesque appeared to give Seattle a 2-0 lead, but his apparent goal in the 64th minute was wiped out on a hand-ball call. Levesque was issued a yellow card for the deceptive move of controlling the ball out of the referee's view.

Sounders summary

Sounders 1, Kickers 1 (Goals — Sea: 1. Whitfield (Sakuda) 6:00. Ric: 1. Luzak (Burke) 89:00. Shots — Ric 12, Sea 18. Saves — Ric (Pascale) 4, Sea (Burpo) 4.)