The Seattle Sounders guaranteed themselves a place in the 2017 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs by beating Fc Dallas at CenturyLink Field, according to the News Tribune. Goals from Victor Rodriguez (31'), Will Bruin (64', 67), and Lamar Neagle (90'+2') ensured the home team leisurely beat FCD and ultimately secured their ninth consecutive post-season appearance. The Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer was satisfied with the performances his side put up by humiliating FCD in front of their 48,478 home crowd. The victory puts the Seattle Sounders second with 50 points, while FC Dallas is sixth with 43 points.
Here's a recap of the match.
Seattle Sounders outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Stefan Frei (6.78). Defender - Kelvin Leerdam (7.69), Román Torres (8.20), Chad Marshall (seven points), Joevin Jones (7.29). Midfielder - Gustav Svensson (6.19), Cristian Roldan (7.61), Nicolás Lodeiro (8.73), Clint Dempsey (7.77), Víctor Rodríguez (7.90). Forward - Will Bruin (8.42). Used substitutes - Nouhou Tolo (7.52), Harry Shipp (6.28), Lamar Neagle (seven points).
Team's strength and weakness: the Sounders consistently stole possession from FCD players while creating goal chances through individual efforts. They were fantastically solid at finishing but gave away free kicks around their half.
Style of play: Brian Schmetzer's side mainly attacked through the center midfield, favored through balls and short passes.
FC Dallas outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Jesse Gonzalez (seven points). Defender - Hernán Grana (6.38), Atiba Harris (5.28), Matt Hedges (5.54), Maynor Figueroa (6.58).
Midfielder - Javier Morales (6.48), Carlos Gruezo (six points), Kellyn Acosta (5.92), Mauro Díaz (5.69), Tesho Akindele (5.77). Forward - Michael Barrios (six points). Used substitutes - Maximiliano Urruti (5.68), Roland Lamah (5.88), Victor Ulloa (5.87).
Team's strength and weakness: Óscar Pareja's men were good at setting up goal opportunities from set pieces but were too weak in front of goal.
Furthermore, they lost possession often and committed lots of individual stumbles especially in the defense.
Style of play: FCD also attacked through the middle. They favored through balls, long and short passes.
The best performing player
Attacking midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro was fantastic in the match. Lodeiro's passes in the midfield apparently paved easy entrance for striker Will Bruin to wreak havoc in FCD defense. Also, the Uruguayan provided an assist and had a massive 101 touches in the encounter.
Both teams' final matches of the regular season
Seattle Sounders will once again play host to Colorado Rapids on Sunday 22. Simultaneously, FC Dallas faces struggling LA Galaxy the same day.
