Western Conference Semifinals, Leg One
Score: Sounders FC 1 at FC Dallas 1
Site: Toyota Stadium
Man of the Match: Osvaldo Alonso did not score a goal in each of the last two regular seasons. Sunday night, however, the central midfielder notched Seattle’s lone goal in the first leg of the Conference Semifinals for the second straight year. Marco Pappa played a free kick into the box in the 54th minute that Alonso redirected into the corner of the net with a header. Alonso’s goal tied the match at 1-1 and gave Sounders FC the momentum as it heads back to Seattle for the second leg of the series.
Telling Stat: 34. FC Dallas had 34 goals off set pieces in the past two seasons, the most in MLS. After a first half in which Dallas didn’t take a shot other than its penalty-kick goal, Stefan Frei had four saves and made clean catches on several Dallas crosses in the final 45 minutes. The Hoops earned six corners in the match, but Frei made sure they weren’t able to take advantage of their set pieces.
What You Missed: Brad Evans played as a central midfielder for the Sounders rather than one of the outside positions that has been more typical this season. With Gonzalo Pineda sidelined, Evans moved into the middle with Alonso. Evans’ versatility was valuable for Seattle during the regular season when midfielders and defenders missed games due to injuries and International competition. On Sunday, it gave Head Coach Sigi Schmid a chance to start both Lamar Neagle and Pappa in the outside midfield.
So What: With the away-goals rule in place, Alonso’s goal gives Sounders FC a bit of an edge in the second leg. Seattle would advance if the two teams play to a scoreless draw, meaning Dallas needs to score at least one goal at CenturyLink Field next Monday. The Hoops lost four of their final five road matches in the regular season.
