The Seattle Sounders welcome FC Dallas to CenturyLink Field on Wednesday for the first time this season, and the second of three matchups between the teams this year. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the game.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field.
WHERE TO WATCH: The game will be telecast on Q13 FOX. Check out the full list of Sounders FC Pub Partners here.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The game will be aired on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM with a pregame show beginning at 7 p.m. PT and El Rey 1360AM in Spanish.
RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders (5-10-2, 17 pts., 10th in Western Conference), Dallas (11-5-4, 37 pts., 1st in Western Conference).
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The Sounders own a comfortable 9-4-5 record all time against FC Dallas, but the winds of change seem to be blowing in this conference rivalry. The Sounders fell at the hands of FC Dallas in in last year’s Western Conference semifinals and again on May 14 in Frisco.
LOST AT HOME: After going goalless on Saturday against the LA Galaxy, the Sounders are now scoreless in their last three home matches, all losses. In fact, the Rave Green have not scored at home in 271 minutes, dating back to a late goal from Jordan Morris on May 7 against San Jose. In addition, they have now amassed five home losses this season, a franchise record for the MLS-era Sounders.
SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS: The Sounders put up a season high of 22 shots on the LA Galaxy on Saturday. As a reward for their efforts? Zero goals and zero points. It’s been the story all season in Seattle who consistently out-possess, out-pass, and out-shoot their opponents, and yet somehow leave empty-handed. The team’s shot conversion rate is the lowest in the league at eight percent.
WRONG END OF THE WHISTLE: A questionable penalty call stole the headlines the last time these two teams met, as FC Dallas rode to a 2-0 victory in Frisco. It’s an occurrence that has become a borderline pattern this season for the Rave Green, who have conceded a league-leading six penalty kicks this year. They've also been awarded zero PKs this season, tied for fewest in the league.
INJURY UPDATE: Defender Brad Evans was absent again from the Sounders' Starting XI on Saturday with a calf strain. Evans’ availability for Wednesday is uncertain, but if he is unable to go, defender Zach Scott is the likely replacement. On the Dallas side, defender Zach Loyd is out with a concussion. His status for Wednesday is uncertain as well.
YOUTH IN NUMBERS: Only two of the 10 outfield players in the FC Dallas lineup against San Jose on July 8 in San Jose were over the age of 26 - defender Atiba Harris is 31, fellow defender Maynor Figueora is 33. Although the Sounders have made a concerted effort this year to lean on younger players - Morris (21) midfielder Cristian Roldan (21), forward Aaron Kovar (22) and forward Oalex Anderson (20) have all picked up regular minutes this season - FC Dallas' focus on youth under head coach Oscar Pareja has paid dividends, with postseason appearances each of the past two years and a likely run for the Supporters' Shield this year.
FOUR FOR TOROS: Following their 1-0 win over San Jose last week, FCD have four wins away from home this year, tops in the Western Conference. They've won just one regular season game over the years at CenturyLink Field in eight tries (1-6-1), and lost in the first leg of the Western Conference semis last year.
A FRIEND AND FOE: Former Seattle fan favorite Mauro Rosales now wears Dallas red and will ride into CenturyLink Field for the first time as a Toro on Wednesday since being traded from the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for Blas Perez in February. Rosales has 13 appearances off the bench so far this season, with one goal and one assist.
