The Seattle Sounders will be without star forward Clint Dempsey for their MLS playoff opener. According to an ESPN FC report the club has no plans to appeal the red card Dempsey received in Seattle’s 3-0 regular season finale win over Colorado.
Dempsey earned the red card in the first half Sunday after making contact with his elbow to the head of Mike Da Fonte of the Rapids.
As a number two seed, Seattle has an opening round bye. They will not open postseason play until either October 29th or 30th. Dempsey will be suspended for that first leg of the Western Conference semifinals on the road. He will be able to play in the second leg match November 2nd in Seattle.
(KPUG – Doug Lange)