SEAvDAL 101 Preview: All you need to know for the decisive third match of the Sounders’ Round One playoff series, pres. by Ticketmaster

The Seattle Sounders are hosting FC Dallas on Friday in the third match of their best-of-three postseason series. Here is everything you need to know:

WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Lumen Field. 

WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be available to watch exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air in English on 93.3 KJR FM and in Spanish on El Rey 1360AM. 

PREVIOUS SERIES RESULTS: The Sounders secured a 2-0 victory in Game 1 at Lumen Field on October 30, with Albert Rusnák and Jordan Morris each tallying a goal for the Rave Green. Dallas responded by handing Seattle a 3-1 loss in Frisco, Tex. in Game 2 on Saturday to send the series to Game 3. 

• Get your tickets for Friday's crucial Game 3 postseason match against FC Dallas at Lumen Field

TOGETHER AS ONE: The stage is set for a decisive third game in Round One of the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. The path forward is clear: a win on Friday at Lumen Field would send Seattle through to the Western Conference Semifinals. Seattle could also draw the match and advance by winning the subsequent penalty shootout. Following St. Louis CITY SC’s elimination, the Rave Green would be guaranteed home-field advantage up until MLS Cup. 

SEATTLE’S IRON MAN: If Cristian Roldan features against Dallas in Game 3, it would mark his 300th appearance across all competitions for the Sounders. 

MERCER ISLAND MAGICIAN: Morris has been a revelation at striker for the Sounders through the first two matches of this series. Not only has he scored two goals, but he’s provided valuably linkup play and stretched Dallas’ back line with his off-ball running. On Friday, he’ll have an opportunity to help send his boyhood club through to the conference semifinals in his hometown.

DEFENDING LUMEN FIELD: The Sounders finished the regular season tied with Nashville SC for the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 32 goals. In fact, the Game 2 loss against Dallas marked the first time Seattle had conceded multiple goals in a game since September 2. Bolstered by the fans in the stands, the Rave Green have only allowed 11 goals in 18 games MLS play at Lumen Field in 2023.

ROUNDING INTO FORM: At the other end of the pitch, the Sounders’ attack has steadily improved in the last couple of months. The Rave Green have been shutout just twice in their last 11 matches, and they’ve scored multiple goals in six of those contest. 

DALLAS’ STRUGGLES IN SEATTLE: Since 2009, FC Dallas has won just won MLS match in Seattle, which came back in 2011. 

ATTACKING TRIDENT: Dallas’ attacking trio of Jesús Ferreira, Jadar Obrian and Bernard Kamungo have been productive all season, combining for 24 goals and 11 assists in the regular season. All three players got on the scoresheet in Game 2, with Ferreira and Obrian each scoring a goal and Kamungo registering an assist and drawing a penalty.