Sounders blank FC Dallas to set up semifinal clash with LAFC

11/11/2023 10:39 AM

The Seattle Sounders are marching on in the MLS Cup Playoffs, a trend that fans have been familiar with over recent time.

Albert Rusnak’s first-half goal was all Brian Schmetzer’s squad needed to eliminate FC Dallas 1-0 on Friday night at Lumen Field. The Sounders will next face defending MLS Cup winners LAFC in the Western Conference semifinals.

It was all Seattle in the first half with Joao Paulo and Jordan Morris both having scoring chances denied by FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes. However, Rusnak would be the one to breakthrough for the hosts in the 36th minute of the match.

An errant pass out of the back by FC Dallas, allowed Paulo to pounce before springing Rusnak towards goal.

https://x.com/MLS/status/1723185913755291948?s=20

Paulo’s through ball assist was slotted home by Rusnak for his second goal of the playoffs and third overall in his last four matches.

FC Dallas tried to offer anything in the final third but were kept at bay by the stingy Sounders backline for majority of the match. Nkosi Tafari’s header in the 89th minute was gathered by Stefan Frei, which was the Swiss goalkeeper’s lone save of the match.

The Sounders would hang on to advance to the semifinal round, handing FC Dallas its earliest playoff exit since 2019.

Seattle will now try to knock off LAFC, which would be the first head-to-head victory for the Sounders since May 2021.