Sounders: 4 takeaways from much-needed win versus Houston Dynamo

4) Post match reaction

Nouhou was asked on the pitch after the game how it felt to score his first goal for the Sounders. He said:

"I said at the beginning of the year, it was a pressure for me. That's why I said I need to (score a goal). I finally score my first goal so, especially at home, I'm very happy, i'm very proud. I know the fans were waiting for it. It's one of the biggest moments of my life, so I'm just happy for that."

Afterwards, head coach Brian Schmetzer spoke to the media about finally being able to win a game after so much recent bad luck. He said:

"It seemed like we were trying to find ways to lose games. I thought the game started off well. I thought our possession, our tempo, things were looking good. We created some half-chances, and then they scored. Usually we've struggled when (other) teams have scored first ... but the resiliency is always there. You know that three game stretch where we only took a point, the team never quit. You guys all saw it, those were all gut punches. Those were three hard games to try and come back from, but again credit to the players in that locker room. They're firmly committed to try and make sure we make a run at this and see if we can sneak into the playoffs."

Even with the win, the Sounders remain six points outside the playoff spots in the Western Conference. They still face an uphill struggle to extend their unblemished 13-year run of qualifying for the playoffs, but most people know by now this is a club which won't stop fighting till the bitter end.

Nouhou has been nominated for Week 29 Major League Soccer Player of the Week. Click here if you would like to vote for him.

What is your main takeaway from the Sounders' win over the Dynamo? Do you hold out much hope of them qualifying for the playoffs, or do you believe it's too much to ask at this stage of the season? Let us know in the comments section below.