Sounders FC aims to continue its dominance of FC Dallas in the final road match of the regular season.
Sounders FC @ FC Dallas
October 19, 2013, 11:30 am PT; Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas
TV/Radio: NBC; 97.3 KIRO radio; La Gran D 99.3 FM (Spanish)
Dallas’ Record: With a defeat to the Chicago Fire last week, Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention at 10-11-11 (41 points), eighth in the Western Conference. At Toyota Stadium, Dallas is 8-3-5.
All-Time Series: Seattle has dominated against Dallas to the tune of a 6-1-4 record all-time, including two wins at CenturyLink Field this year.
Injury Report: Sounders FC – OUT: GK Josh Ford (R patella fracture); M Shalrie Joseph (R knee sprain); M Steve Zakuani (adductor). QUESTIONABLE: F Eddie Johnson (sports hernia); F Obafemi Martins (groin); D Djimi Traore (knee injury); M Clint Dempsey (hamstring strain). FC Dallas – OUT: F Eric Hassli (lower back strain); D Ugo Ihemelu (concussion); D George John (patella tendon strain); D London Woodberry (MCL strain); M Mauro Diaz (MCL strain) . QUESTIONABLE: GK Raul Fernandez (hip flexor strain).
Key player: Forward Kenny Cooper has just six goals this season – his lowest total since scoring four goals in 14 matches in 2007 – but has come on strong in recent matches. However he has accounted for all of the scoring for Dallas in its last two matches, adding three goals in just 123 minutes. He is a big body, but has deceptive speed for his size and is much more a threat with the ball at his feet than through aerial duels.
Notes: Sounders FC will see the return of Brad Evans and Zach Scott to the squad. Evans played in two World Cup qualifying matches with the U.S. National Team in victories over Jamaica and Panama. Scott served a two-game suspension for yellow card accumulation and a red card. Both missed matches against Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Portland Timbers. … Seattle will play without midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, serving a one-match suspension for a red card against the Portland Timbers on Sunday. … Dallas will see the return of forward Blas Perez, who played for Panama in losses to Mexico and the U.S. … Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman announced on Friday that he would step down from his post at the conclusion of the season. Saturday will be his last home match after five full seasons as head coach. He has an all-time record of 61-58-58 and took Dallas to the 2010 MLS Cup final, falling to the Colorado Rapids.
