One of the best stories of the 2009 MLS campaign has been the smashing success of the first-year Seattle Sounders.

With famous owners like comedian Drew Carey and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the team has drawn well all season and quickly created the best atmosphere in the League.

It was no surprise on Thursday night when the MLS Cup Playoffs opened with Seattle hosting Houston that the Sounder faithful set an MLS Cup Conference Semifinals record with 35,807 fans.

The game itself was certainly entertaining, with 23 shots and enough chippy play to warrant six yellow cards.

Ultimately, however, it ended in a nil-nil draw. Not a good result for the homestanding Sounders, but also not the type of scoreline the MLS needs to really get the playoffs to break through a crowded Autumn sports landscape in the United States.

The playoffs continue Saturday when Columbus heads to Real Salt Lake.

On Sunday, Chicago travels to New England while in Sothern California the LA Galaxy will battle Chivas USA.