FC Dallas is back at CenturyLink Field on Saturday. Check out all the pertinent information in our Matchday Central feature.
Sounders FC vs. FC Dallas
August 3, 2013, 7:30 p.m. PT; CenturyLink Field
TV/Radio: KING 5; KIRO Radio 97.3 FM; La Gran D 99.3 FM (Spanish)
FC Dallas’ Record: Dallas started the season winning six of their first eight matches, but has since dipped to 8-5-8 (32 points) and sixth in the Western Conference.
All-time series: Sounders FC leads the all-time series at 5-1-4, outscoring Dallas 17-10 along the way. The only defeat came 1-0 at CenturyLink Field in 2011. In the only previous meeting this season, Seattle trampled Dallas 4-2 at CenturyLink Field on May 18.
Injury Report: Sounders FC – OUT: M Alex Caskey (R ankle impingement); GK Josh Ford (R patella fracture); GK Michael Gspurning (L forearm sprain); GK Marcus Hahnemann (R hamstring strain); M Shalrie Joseph (R calf strain); M Philip Lund (R plantar fasciitis) M Steve Zakuani (athletic pubalgia). QUESTIONABLE: None. FC Dallas – OUT: D Ugo Ihemelu (concussion); M Peter Luccin (torn R ACL). QUESTIONABLE: D Walker Zimmerman (R hamstring strain); M Erick (hamstring strain).
Key player: Defender and midfielder Michel has been a tremendous addition for Dallas this season. Not only has he taken immense pressure off of midfield playmaker David Ferreira, but he has also combined particularly well with the aerial threats up and down the FC Dallas roster. He has five assists this season, two of which came against Sounders FC in their match on May 18.
Notes: Seattle is unbeaten in its last eight matches at CenturyLink Field, going 5-0-3 at home in that stretch. A win or draw would set a new club record streak. … FC Dallas will play without forward Eric Hassli, suspended by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violent conduct in a July 20 match against the Montreal Impact. … Both teams have forwards returning from international duty as Eddie Johnson is back in Seattle after winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory in the final over a Panama squad that featured Dallas forward Blas Perez. … Both teams are also getting key players back from the MLS All-Star Game in Kansas City as Seattle defender DeAndre Yedlin and Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez were both honored with selections. … UW product George John has played in 14 matches for FC Dallas this year, helping the team to a 7-2-5 record in those matches.
