I think the real reason for Seattle's early success is that they're not a traditional expansion team (ala Toronto) but a side that's been selectively promoted from USL-1. And like any promoted side on a hot streak in any league, the real test will come against the top teams, like Columbus or Houston, not the lesser teams like TFC or KC.

Seems to me the MLS schedule/International schedule conflict issue and the poor attendance issue are related: wouldn't most soccer fans prefer to be home watching their national team than out (in March weather, no less) watching their local MLS team that's been depleted by international call-ups (probably their best players)? MLS needs to re-think their policy of scheduling their games when international games (especially WC quals!) are scheduled.