Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas: Live blog
Seattle Sounders take the lead in this best-of-three series after a comfortable 2-0 victory over FC Dallas on Monday evening.
Seattle were returning topost-season competition after failing to qualify for the playoffs in 2022 and took a few minutes to find their feet. As the first half wore on they took control of the game and found the breakthrough shortly before halftime, as the impressive Cristian Roldan was fouled in the penalty box.
Up stepped Albert Rusnak to take the spot kick and he fired home from 12 yards.
Dallas ralliedat the beginning of the second halfbut struggled to generate any clear-cut chances and Seattle grew in confidence. The hostsmade it two with 20 minutes to go whenJordan Morris converteda teasing cross from Nouhou Tolo.
That was enough to wrap up the win and Seattle duly saw out the game without incident. A good start for Seattle, who could go far in this year's MLS Cup Playoffs.
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Seattle Sounders start their 2023 playoff journey with a comfortable home victory against FC Dallas. The Sounders took some time to take charge of the game but never looked back after Albert Rusnak's first half penalty.
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90+4
Peeep peeeep peeeeeeeeeep
Full time at Luman Field and Seattle Sounders take a 1-0 lead in this best-of-three series.
A well-deserved victory for the hosts.
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90+2
This has been a very professional performance from Seattle, who have never looked in any danger since finding the breakthrough shortly before halftime. They have kept Dallas at arm's distance in the second half and have been good value for this opening playoff victory.
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90
We're going to havefour minutes of added timein Seattle.
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90
Brilliant touch from Raul Ruidiaz to skip past a Dallas defender and fire at goal from the edge of the box. His effort is easily saved but it draws a approving cheer from the home crowd.
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88
Chance! Dallas
A long ball upfield finds Kamungo running in on goal from distance. The youngster is under pressure from recovering Seattle defenders and he fails to get any power behind his right-footed effort.
Easy save for Frei.
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88
Dallas have space on the counter-attack and look to muster a late rally.
Dante Sealy darts into the Seattle box but is squeezedout by the green-shirted backline. Well dealt with by Seattle.
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86
Dallas forward Sealy does well to make some room for himself on the edge of the box. He shifts the ball onto his left foot and strikes at goal but Stefan Frei gets down to save.
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84
A stinging effort from Joshua Attencio, who lets fly with a volley from 25 yards out.The Dallas midfielder's effort is well-saved by Marten Paes.
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83
Seattle goalscorer Jordan Morris is withdrawn to a warm round of applause, replaced by Raul Ruidiaz.
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Here's that Seattle second, a confidently-taken header from Jordan Morris. The Seattle talisman has had an inconsistent season in front of goal but he's up and running in the post-season.
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77
Double change from Dallas. Ansah and Bernand Kamungo come on to replace Paul Arriola and Paxton Pomykal.
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76
VAR: Goal confirmed
We've got the all-clear at Lumen Field and Seattle have a two-goal lead heading into the final 15 minutes.
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VAR check
Hang on, this goal is subject to an extended VAR check.
Let's see what happens here, there was nothing obviously contentious at first glance...
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73
GOOOOAAAAAL! Seattle Sounders
There's a second for Seattle courtesy of a thumping header from Jordan Morris!
Brilliant play from the hosts down the left wing and Nouhou Ragen whipped a teasing ball into the box. Morris was there to convert.
2-0 to Seattle.
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72
Close! Seattle
Attencio makes a clever run to pick up the ball behind the Dallas defence and whips a low cross along the six-yard box. Lodeiro slides in to meet the ball but can't quite reach the pass.
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70
Clever play from Nocolas Loderio to pick up a cheap foul on the left, midway into the Dallas half.
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69
Juanqua and Sealy come on for Dallas, replacing Farfan and Obrian.
Dallas just need a goal to take this game to penalties.
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68
Nearly an opportunity for Loderio with his first touch!
Cristian Roldan played a neat pull-back but the Uruguay couldn't connect with his effort.
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66
First change for the hosts as Nicolas Lodeiro comes on to replace Leo Chu.
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64
Nearly an opportunity for Obrian as he darts into the box to connect with a Ferreira cross. He can't quite get his head on the delivery.
Good play from both, but ideally you'd rather that link-up was the other way around.
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Brilliant play from Attentio who picks up the ball between the lines and feeds it through to Jordan Morris. For a second it looks like the Seattle frontman is in on goal but Burgess gets back to smother the opportunity.
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Arriola cuts inside and looks to curl a cross into the middle but there's no one in a Dallas shirt in the box. Ferreira offers many qualities, but he often drifts deep and leaves his team a little short of presence in the box.
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60
As we reach the hour mark things are going to plan for Seattle. They've got the lead and are keeping the visitors at bay.
It can't be long until Dallas make their first change, they could do with a bit of impetus here.
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58
Bit of pushing and shoving on the touchline as Nouhou and Ibeagha clash in front of the benches. Dallas win a free kick.
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56
Dallas are enjoying the lion's share of possession this half but they've not managed to create any chances in the opening ten minutes. Seattle's success has been built on an impressive defensive record and they very rarely let a lead slip once they have gone ahead.
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52
Jackson Ragen
The Seattle defender is booked for grabbing at Paul Arriola to prevent a Dallas counter attack. Ragen can have no complaints there.
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49
The roles seem to have reversed since half time, with Seattle starting the second 45 sitting deeper. Dallas have not lost in their last nine MLS fixtures and will be desperate to avoid defeat again tonight.
Remember, if the scores are level at 90 minutes we go straight to penalties.
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48
Chance for Seattle to deliver into the box with a free kick out wide, but Dallas easily head the ball away. Quiet start to the second half in the opening minutes.
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45
And we're back!
We're into the second half at Lumen Field, where Dallas need a goal to get themselves back level in their MLS Cup Playoffs opener.
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Disappointment for Dallas
As they sit in the locker room at half time, FC Dallas will be thinking back to those missed opportunities in the first half. USMNT striker Jesus Ferreira missed two clear-cut chances at 0-0 and the goal Dallas conceded came from a clumsy concession of a penalty kick.
Not ideal for Nico Estevez.
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Seattle Sounders in the lead thanks to Rusnak penalty
The hosts are ahead, but only just.
Seattle were awarded a spot kick after Cristian Roldan, one of the best performers in the first half, was clipped in the penalty box. Albert Rusnak stepped up to take the PK and narrowly squeezed the ball past Marten Paes in the Dallas goal.
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45+4
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeep
The first half is brought to a close with the hosts one goal to the good.
What can Dallas muster from here?
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45+4
Free kick to Seattle on the halfway line, perhaps a last opportunity to deliver into the box and generate a chance. There's just seconds remaining now.
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45+3
Seattle win a corner and Jordan Morris delivers into the box. Dallas clear the ball and that should be enough to see them through to the half time break.
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45+2
Jesus Ferreira
The Dallas forward is booked for a late challenge on the halfway line.
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45
There'sfour minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
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45
Seattle are really on top now and Dallas are just looking to make it to the half now.
The hosts come forward through Leo Chu on the left flank. He drives a low cross into the box but Dallas scramble the ball clear.
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Agonising for Paes, who almost seemed to push the spot kick onto the post and into the net.
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42
GOOOOAAAAL! Seattle
Albert Rusnak takes the penalty and squeezes the ball past Marten Paes, who got a hand on the ball but could not keep it out.
Seattle take the lead!
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41
PENALTY SEATTLE!
Huge call as Cristian Roldan wins a penalty after a driving runon the right side of the box. Huge opportunity for Seattle to take the lead.
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40
So close! Seattle
Two chances for the hosts but still, somehow, no goal.
The first fell to Albert Rusnak, who forced a sharp save out of Paes after a neat turn in the box.
The ball was pushed wide by the Dallas keeper but Seattle pick up possession and curl a cross in towards Cristian Roldan. His glancing header drifts just wide of the back post and out for a goal kick.
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38
Huge appeals for a foul as Lee Fraser shoves Roldan off the ball right in front of the Seattle bench. Referee waves away the protests and Dallas win the throw in.
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37
Jordan Morris hasn't really been in the game so far but he shows some neat touches to hold up the ball and get his side up the pitch. Dallas have managed to prevent him getting on the ball in the opening stages.
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35
There's a gasp around the stadium as Alexander Roldan clatters into the advertising hoarding while managing to keep the ball in play. It sounded nasty but he's fit to carry on.
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31
Two corners in quick success for Dallas. The second falls to Liam Fraser in the box and he swivels to fire a shot on goal
Stefan Frei saves comfortably.
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30
We were expected a fairly cagey affair at Lumen Field but this game has sprung into life after a quiet start.
Seattle are intent on playing out from the back but Dallas' press is having some success in disrupting their efforts and generating chances of their own.
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26
Big chance! Dallas
It's end-to-end action now and it's another opening for Jesus Ferreira after an effective press from Dallas. This time the USMNT forward goes for power and fires over the crossbar from close range.
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25
Close! Seattle
Seattle push forward again and the ball falls to Joao Paulo on the edge of the box. The midfielder lets fly with a brilliant, dipping effort but Paes gets across well to push the ball wide.
Top saves for both goalkeepers in the early stages.
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22
Chance! Dallas
The first big chance of the game and it falls for FC Dallas' Jesus Ferreira!
Brilliant work from Paxton Pomykal to pinch the ball in the midfield and he slipped the ball through to Ferreira. He was on to the ball quickly but Stefan Frei was out well to make the save.
The visitors should be ahead!
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20
Confirmation that Alan Velasco will not be fit to continue for Dallas, he's replaced by Liam Fraser.
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19
Chance! Seattle
There's a flurry of chances for the hosts, once again coming from the right. The first effort is blocked in the box, but the ball is worked back to Leo Chu whose delicate touch is safely claimed by Marten Paes in the Dallas goal.
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Here's that incredible pre-match tifo from Seattle Sounders. I think the message is painfully clear.
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16
Alan Velasco
Bad news for Dallas as their playmaker collapses to the ground.
It was Velasco who was clattered by that earlier challenge from Roldan and he looks to be in real pain here.Substitutes being readied for the visitors.
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15
Both teams are living up their impressive defensive records so far with no real chances for either side. There's some strong tackles flying in too.
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13
Velasco takes but his wide free kick is poor and Seattle easily get the ball clear.
Seattle were on top in the opening few minutes but Dallas are getting a hold on this game now and and starting to pass the ball around nicely.
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12
Poor challenge from Alexander Roldan after a loose touch in the midfield. He barges into Alan Velasco and Dallas win the free kick, and an opportunity to deliver into the box.
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10
Nice work from Jesus Ferreira, who drops deep to combine with Arriola on the left. Arriola skips into the box and pulls the ball back to the on-rushing Ferreira, but Seattle have players back to block his shot.
Good play from Ferreira.
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9
A rare foray forward for Dallas as Paul Arriola is set free on the left. Yeimar gets back to cover and clear the danger.
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Close! Seattle
More good work from Cristian Roldan on the right to break behind the Dallas backline and he pulls the ball back to Joshua Attencio just inside the box. Attenciolooks to whip the ball past Paes but his effort takes a deflection and goes out for a corner.
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4
Good play from Roldan on the right flank to make some room for a cross and the Seattle full back flashes a low ball across the face of goal. Dallas clear.
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3
Fairly uneventful start as Seattle dominate the ball, Dallas content with sitting back and being difficult to break down. That said, when Seattle do move the ball forward Dallas are snapping into the challenges.
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And we're off!
We're underway in Seattle for the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One clash...
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What an atmosphere in Seattle!
The players are out on the field now and there's an incredible noise in Lumen Field. And a pretty impressive tifo from the home support.
'MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT', it reads.
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USMNT striker Jesus Ferreira put through his paces
Tonight could be a big evening for Dallas striker Jesus Ferreira, who leads the team for scoring this year. He will have a lot of work to do in Seattle, playing as a lone striker against a Seattle side expected to dominate the ball.
Aside from his finishing abilities, Ferreira is a very capable hold-up player and could be crucial if Dallas are to spring a surprise tonight.
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Can Seattle Sounders go deep in this year's playoffs?
Despite finishing second in the Western Conference, ahead of MLS Cup holders LAFC, the Sounders have gone a little under the radar in the playoffs predictions. They still have key elements of the side that won MLS Cup in 2019 and this team could be approaching the end of their time together.
Jordan Morris starts for Seattle as the centre forward tonight and could be the difference-maker against a Dallas team known for their resolute defence.
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Who will win MLS MVP? Year-End Awards finalists announced
There are two finalists for MLS Awards on show tonight, and both of them will be wearing the green of Seattle Sounders. Yeimar Gomez has been nominated for MLS Defender of the Year, while holding midfielder Joao Paulo is in the running to be named Comeback of the Year.
Read more
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And here's the FC Dallas starting XI...
USMNT forward Jesus Ferreira starts for the visitors, as does former Real Madrid and Real Socieded midfielderAsier Illarramendi. The only change for Dallas is the introduction of JaderObrian for Kamungo, who drops to the bench after picking up a slightankle injury last time out.
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Here's how Seattle line up up for tonight's game
Jordan Morris starts as the lone striker for Brian Schmetzer's side. As expectedReed Baker-Whiting misses out due toa hamstring strain.
Strong starting XI for the hosts.
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We'll have team newsfrom Lumen Field very, very shortly...
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Pre-game atmosphere heating up in Seattle
The home support are in great voice for tonight's game as they begin their MLS Cup Playoffs journey for 2023. The two-time MLS Cup winners failed to reach the post-season in 2022 and the Seattle supporters will be looking to make a big impressive in their first game back.
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The stage is set
There's an hour to go until kick-off in this playoff opener between Seattle and Dallas. The visitors only secured a playoff place on the last day of the regular season but come into the post-season with an impressive nine-match unbeaten record in MLS.
However, seven of those games ended in a draw. If the scores are level after 90 minutes tonight, we'll be going straight to penalties.
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Blue skies over Seattle
November may be just around the corner but the skies above Lumen Field are bright and blue as we prepare for this MLS Cup Playoff clash between Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas.
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Hello and welcome to AS USA for tonight's MLS Cup Playoff game between Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas.
Seattle, the 2016 and 2019 MLS Cup champions, come into this year's post-season off the back of an impressive regular season campaign in which they finished second in the West.
Dallas ended in seventh, but are on a nine-game unbeaten streak in MLS.
We'll have team news from Lumen Field shortly...
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