In the big shock result of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Seattle Sounders absolutely pasted FC Dallas in the first leg of their tie. Seattle barely snuck into the playoffs, then needed a late winner to advance past the first round. But against the winners of the Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup, the Sounders brought their best, taking a 3-0 aggregate lead in this series.
FC Dallas vs. Seattle Sounders 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Dallas has two trophies this season. If they want a shot at a third, they need to score three times on Sunday.
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Dallas has proven themselves capable of winning 3-0 or better on multiple occasions, but they’ll have a hard time breaking down a Seattle team that has no reason to open up and take risks. Plus, if the Sounders grab an away goal, the tie is pretty much over. With Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro in the Sounders’ forward line, that seems likely.
Last week, Dallas opened themselves up by playing a 3-5-2 formation that they weren’t used to, and their lack of experience in that system cost them. This week, expect to see Oscar Pareja use something his team is much more familiar with.
TV: FS1 (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 9 p.m. ET
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
Three big things to know
- Don’t count out FC Dallas. While an injury to playmaker Mauro Diaz has made it harder for FCD to create goals, they still have plenty of firepower going forward. They found the back of the net 50 times this season and scored three or more goals on seven occasions. A three-goal lead is not insurmountable.
- Who can create with Diaz out? Perhaps part of the reason that Pareja tried a completely different system was the absence of Diaz, whom his regular formation revolves around. His options for replacing Diaz are strikers, wingers, and youngsters who don’t have much experience in big games. How Pareja sets up his team without his playmaker could decide whether his team has a good chance to score three goals before they take the pitch.
- Stefan Frei might be the key man. Whether Dallas is able to create high-quality scoring opportunities, they’re going to pump a lot of shots at the Seattle goalkeeper. He’s been one of the best in the league this season, but with a couple of high-profile blunders. The Sounders need the best version of Frei on Sunday.
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