Photos by Max Aquino and Brandon Bleek
Captions by Giordan Bonanno
Seattle welcomed the Western Conference champions, FC Dallas, in the opening leg of the Western Conference Semi-finals, on a cold Sunday night.
The opening fifteen minutes of the match were very close and physical, with both clubs unwilling to open up the game.
Castillo gave FC Dallas an early lead off of a breakaway chance, receiving a great pass from Diaz.
Friberg had the best chance for Seattle, receiving a dish from Martins but his shot was inches wide of the goal
The ball fell to Dempsey’s feet in the box off of a Pappa FK, but his shot was right at Gonzalez
At Half, FC Dallas deservedly led 1-0.
Seattle started off the 2nd half aggressive and were almost rewarded with a goal within a minute of the kickoff.
FC Dallas on the other hand was content in slowing the game down.
Valdez replaced Pappa and Seattle’s offense came to life as Dempsey slotted into the right midfield and Ivanschitz switched to the left side
Ivanschitz ran past the FC Dallas defense and expertly slotted the ball past the keeper to tie the game 1-1
Dempsey gave Seattle the lead scoring from a direct free kick 25 yds out, beating Gonzalez to the right end of goal.
Seattle wins 2-1, and leads the series as the two teams will meet again next Sunday in Frisco, TX.
Sounders FC
FC Dallas
