Editor’s Note: In celebration of the Seattle Sounders #ThisMoment 2016 playoff campaign, we’re taking a look back at the moments that defined Sounders playoff runs of the past.
This moment, brought to you by Clint Dempsey.
The 2015 MLS Cup playoffs found the Seattle Sounders up against FC Dallas for the second straight year. Roles had reversed since they met in 2014, with Seattle the lower of the two seeds and hosting the first leg at CenturyLink Field.
Dallas speedster Fabian Castillo rained early on Seattle’s parade, slipping behind the Sounders backline and scoring on goalkeeper Stefan Frei in the 18th minute. The away goal was particularly deflating given that the Sounders had just had a penalty appeal go ignored on the other end.
The score remained that way for much of the match until midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz stole the ball at midfield, took it passed two Dallas defenders and whipped a shot into the far post netting from the top of the box in the 67th minute. For the first time in the series, Seattle had a lifeline, but they would need more in order to survive an away leg at Dallas.
In the 86th minute, Dempsey and Ivanschitz stood over a free kick from 24 yards out. Ivanschitz may have had the hot foot riding his goal from 20 minutes earlier, but from the moment they lined up, there was no doubt who was taking the kick. Dempsey, with the power and finesse of a maestro, smashed the ball over the wall and into the upper right corner leaving goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez with no chance for the save.
The goal sent CenturyLink Field into a frenzy as the Sounders walked away with a 2-1 victory and fighting chance down in Dallas in the second leg. The Sounders ultimately lost in penalty kicks in Texas, but Dempsey's goal lives on as one of the most thrilling moments in Sounders' postseason history.
