Seattle Sounders 0- FC Dallas 0
FC Dallas put in a grounded performance to earn a nil-nil draw against the Seattle Sounders this Wednesday at Century Link Field. The Toros held the Sounders to just three shots on goal, earning a point that has moved the team up into seventh place in the West, and into playoff contention.
The first half saw its best chance at goal early in the match, when Sounders’ defender Joevin Jones was able to burst down the wing and whip in a cross to midfielder Cristian Roldan. Unfortunately Roldan’s shot was just wide from just six yards out.
Dallas had very little going offensively in the first half, marked by their best attempt in the 18th minute, when Dallas midfielder Michael Barrios was able to chest down a ball and played in a ball to forward Jesus Ferreira. Ferreira’s chip shot lacked power and accuracy as the ball drifted above and wide of the goal and keeper Stefan Frei.
The second half saw much of the same defensive characteristics of the first half. Dallas did have an opportunity to take advantage of playing a man up in the 86th minute when Sounders defender Xavier Arreaga picked up his second yellow card on a tackle on Barrios a few feet outside of the box. Unfortunately for Seattle, nothing came from it.
This draw was able to break a number of streaks for both teams. These were the first points for FC Dallas in Seattle since 2010 and was also the Toros’ first clean sheet in eight matches. For the Sounders, while disappointed in a draw at home, this was their first time with a clean sheet since the beginning of July. In that span, they had conceded nineteen goals so this was definitely a welcome defensive performance.
Both teams will have a relatively quick turnaround following their Wednesday match. Dallas will hope to further solidify their playoff aspirations with a match at home against NYCFC on Sunday. The Sounders will be leaving the lovely confines of Centurylink Field and will go across the country to Audi Field on Sunday to take on DC United.
All photos are courtesy of Prost photographer Paul Kahl whose full gallery you can check out on SmugMug.
