Western Conference Semifinals - Leg Two
Score: Sounders FC 1 at FC Dallas 2 a.e.t (3-3 aggregate, 2-4 penalties)
Goal-scorers: Tesho Akindele (84’), Chad Marshall (90’), Walker Zimmerman (90+1’)
Site: Toyota Stadium
Man of the Match:Stefan Frei. The eight saves made by Frei, which marked his second-largest total of the season, don’t even reflect how active the Sounders FC goalkeeper had to be in this match. Especially in the second half, with FC Dallas desperate for a goal, Frei came off his line to scoop up a number of crosses and through balls inside the box. Frei was undoubtedly one of the best keepers in MLS during the regular season, and Sunday’s performance was no different.
Telling Stat: The match was scoreless with six minutes to go, and then a frantic sequence of events saw the teams combine for three goals to send the game to extra time. Tesho Akindele scored on his very first touch of the match, Chad Marshall answered with his first postseason goal since 2008, and Walker Zimmerman made it 2-1 with his only goal of the season to date.
What You Missed: Tied 3-3 on aggregate after extra time, the match was decided by the very first penalty shootout in Sounders FC postseason history. Clint Dempsey stepped up and buried the opening penalty, but FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez stopped the next two Seattle attempts. The Hoops clinched the victory when Zimmerman found the bottom corner on the fourth penalty.
The Sounders were once again without regular starters Osvaldo Alonso,Brad Evans and Leo Gonzalez on Sunday due to injury. Head Coach Sigi Schmid made one change to his lineup from the first leg, utilizing Nelson Valdez at right wing rather than Marco Pappa.
So What: Sounders FC’s season comes to an end, while FC Dallas advances to the Western Conference Championship against either the Portland Timbers or Vancouver Whitecaps.
