In taking a 1-1 result from the First Leg of the Western Conference Semifinals with FC Dallas, Sounders FC put itself in a very favorable position.
As you’ll read below, away goals now count in the MLS Cup Playoffs and Ozzie Alonso’s 54th-minute strike could prove quite valuable for the Supporters’ Shield-winning club. Ahead of Monday’s second leg, let’s look at the initial meeting a bit more closely with a few observations from Sunday's draw.
1. Centerback Domination - Dallas employed Blas Berez and Tesho Akindele with the task of breaking down the Sounders defense, namely Chad Marshall and his centerback partner Zach Scott. Much to Oscar Pareja’s chagrin, it wasn’t to be as the Sounders defense played extremely well and constantly stopped any FCD attack through the middle. As such, the home side was forced out wide and used Fabian Castillo almost exclusively as an attacking threat.
2. The Fabled Away Goal - For the first time, Major League Soccer has implemented the away goals rule for the postseason and Sounders FC have already used it to their advantage. Essentially, the rule rewards teams who attack on the road and don’t sit back trying to absorb pressure. If the second leg ends 0-0, the Sounders would advance despite being tied at one goal apiece with FCD, given that they scored the only away goal of the series. If Leg Two ends at 2-2, Dallas would go through. All adds up to a lot of fun soccer.
3. Oba & Clint Make Things Happen - Neither got on the scoreboard against Dallas but the pair were giving the home side fits with some of their combination play and understanding. Oba had more of the chances and with Dallas needing goals on Monday, the counterattacking opportunities will be there. As it has been with the Sounders top-scoring duo all year, it’s a matter of when, not if, so it’s safe to say we can expect some highlights at CenturyLink Field next week.
4. The Honey Badger Comes Through - Typically not known for his goal-scoring, Sounders FC midfielder Osvaldo Alonso has an outstanding scoring record in the postseason, netting three times in 14 appearances which is tied for the club record. He’s also been ever-present in the Sounders lineup come playoff time as the 14 matches he’s played make up every one of Seattle’s postseason fixtures.
5. Oscar Pareja Is Confident Heading Into Leg Two - The FC Dallas Head Coach was in a bullish mood following the 1-1 draw in Leg One: “They already scored away but who says we can’t do it?” said Pareja. “We’re prepared for 90 plus minutes in Seattle and they need make sure that we don’t score there. We can do it and have done it this year already.” Them be fighting words from the MLS veteran Pareja who spent seven years as a player for Dallas.
With a full house at CenturyLink Field waiting and both teams confident after the gritty 1-1 draw in the first contest, this Western Conference Semifinal Second Leg has the potential to be something special.
A select amount of tickets are still available for the match which is set to kick off at 7:30 pm PT on Monday Nov. 10 at CenturyLink Field with national TV coverage on NBCSN.
