Seattle Sounders are set to take on FC Dallas in game one of the first round of MLS Cup playoffs at Lumen Field on October 30.
Seattle capped off their regular season with three wins out of their last five contests, including a 2-0 triumph over St Louis CITY that propelled them to second place in the Western Conference with 52 points.
While Dallas remained in the playoff mix for the majority of the season despite drawing seven out their last nine games of the regular season. During that stretch, Dallas also won just twice — 3-1 vs Real Salt Lake and 4-1 over LA Galaxy.
The Sounders are led by their talisman Jordan Morris, who scored 11 goals during the season, while Dallas’ starting striker Jesus Ferreira bagged 12 goals and four assists as both forwards led their teams in the goal scoring category.
Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas H2H record
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Country |
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United States |
Apple TV – MLS Season Pass, FS1, FS2 |
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United Kingdom |
Apple TV – MLS Season Pass |
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Canada |
Apple TV + |
Sounders boss Brian Schmetzer has no injury concerns in his squad leading up to the west coast clash.
Club legend Nicolas Lodeiro confirmed after Seattle’s Decision Day victory over St Louis that he’s set to leave the club at the end of the team’s playoff run.
Lodeiro, should he not be offered a new deal, departs Seattle after making over 220 appearances and scoring 58 goals while dishing out 62 assists, as he was key in the Sounders’ 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup win as well as their two MLS Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2019.
Seattle Sounders predicted lineup vs FC Dallas ( 4-2-3-1 ): Frei; Roldan, Gomez, Ragen, Tolo; Rusnak, Paulo; Roldan, Lodeiro, Chu; Morris.
The Toros aren’t as fortunate as the Sounders are when it comes to the injury list.
Sebastian Lletget misses out with a hamstring injury, while Bernard Kamungo, who’s burst onto the scene with six goals in 2023, is expected to miss the game with an ankle problem.
A knock sees Facundo Quignon miss the clash and Geovane Jesus is set to be sidelined through a knee injury. All players should be back around mid-to-late November and would be available should Dallas progress through the playoffs.
FC Dallas predicted lineup vs Seattle Sounders ( 4-4-2 ): Paes; Twumasi, Ibeagha, Tafari, Farfan; Arriola, Pomykal, Illarramendi; Velasco; Obrian, Ferreira.
After finishing the regular season on a high note near the top of their conference, Seattle comes into the game full of confidence playing in front of their supporters as well. However, this one looks like it’ll be closer than most expect due to their outstanding defenses — Sounders conceded 32 goals, second-best in MLS, Dallas conceded 37 goals, third-best in MLS.
Both Morris and Ferreria will get on the scoresheet, and Lodeiro will have the final say late on to propel Seattle to victory in game one.
Prediction: Seattle Sounders 2-1 FC Dallas
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