FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders summary: score, goals, highlights | MLS Cup Playoffs
FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders: As it happened
FC Dallas kept their playoff dreams alive with an impressive performance against Seattle Sounders on Saturday evening.
The hosts needed a win to have any chance of progressing and started brilliantly, Bernard Kamungo setting up Paul Arriola to open the scoring with a glanced header. Kamungo was unplayable in the opening stages and he was soon involved again.
With 15 minutes on the clock he was fouled in the box by Nouhou Tolo and the referee, after a quick VAR check, awarded the penalty. Jesus Ferreira made no mistake from the spot.
Seattle started the second half as the livelier team and halved the deficit just minutes after the break, Jordan Morris finishing coolly after a mix-up in the Dallas defence. But from then on the hosts stayed resolute and their victory was secured when substitute Jader Obrian scored from range late on.
Dallas get the win they needed to set up a fascinating final game in Seattle next week.
Dallas take it to Game Three with Seattle victory
They came into tonight's game with something to prove and FC Dallas shocked Seattle with a swash-buckling start. They scored twice in the opening 20 minutes and again at the death to level the best-of-three series.
They now return to Seattle with a place in the Conference Finals on the line.
Peeep peeeeeep peeeeeeep
Full time in Texas and FC Dallas' playoff journey continues!
A brilliant performance against strong opposition. They should go into next week's all-important third fixture with real confidence.
There's a jubilant atmosphere in Toyota Stadium now, as FC Dallas close in on a crucial victory over Seattle. The hosts have worked tireless for this victory and the forwards are continuing to pressure until the final whistle.
So close! Dallas
That would have wrapped it up for the hosts. The ball dropped to Obrian on the six-yard box but he couldn't sort his feet out in time.
There will be five minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
GOOOOAAAAAL! Dallas
Dallas get the crucial third goal to secure a crucial win in this best-of -three series! Brilliant work from Jader Obrian to restore the two-goal lead.
Close! Seattle Sounders
Brilliant whipped delivery into the box from Lodeiro, curling in towards the front post. The ball looked to take a deflection on the way through but Maarten Paes manages to keep the ball out and Dallas clear.
Dallas give away a cheap free kick on the left wing, giving Seattle a real chance to deliver the ball into the box. Lodeiro stands over the ball...
And Nouhou is taken off for Seattle, Kelyn comes on in his place.
Substitutions for both teams. First up, Ansah and Brian come on for Dallas, replacing Pomykal and Ferreira.
So close! Seattle
Nearly an equaliser for the visitors as Loderio plays a clever ball through to Vargas in the Dallas box. He takes the ball wide but manages to squeeze his effort past Paes and just past the far post.
Dallas survive.
Seattle are starting to get on top now, pressing Dallas back into their own half. The home support are definitely starting to feel the pressure but the team are standing strong for now.
Quality play from Nouhou on the left flank, who skips past a Dallas defender and whips in a devilish low cross. No one manages to connect with the ball and Dallas win a free kick on the edge of their penalty box.
NO PENALTY!
Surprisingly, no penalty is awarded.
Ferreira certainly pulled Ruidiaz' shirt at the back post, the only matter of contention is whether the Seattle forward would have been able to connect with the cross anyway.
The referee decides not, so the appeal is dismissed.
VAR check: Penalty
It was Jesus Ferreira who made a desperate grab at Raul Ruidiaz' shirt at the back post. It looks like a pretty blatant shirt pull on second viewing...
Brilliant play from Jordan Morris who sprints down the left wing and clips a ball into the Dallas box.
Raul Ruidiaz goes down at the back post and is screaming for a foul in the penalty box.
The game is paused for a VAR intervention...
Confirmation that Raul Ruidiaz is coming on for the visitors, with Joshua Atencio being replaced.
Ruidiaz has 15 goals and six assists in his playoff career for Seattle.
In a complete copy of the previous game between these two teams, Lodeiro will soon be joined in the Seattle X! by Raul Ruidiaz.
Plenty of experience on for Seattle now, who can book their place in the Conference Finals with a win tonight.
Brave play at the back from Seattle to work the ball out under intense pressure from Dallas forward. Nouhou shows his flamboyant streak with turn to win a foul.
Paxton Pomykal (Dallas)
The Dallas midfielder is booked for the accumulation of fouls across the opening hour.
Nicolas Lodeiro comes on for Seattle, replacing Leo Chu.
Seattle are starting to take control as we approach the hour-mark.
Substitutions incoming for the visitors, who will want to capitalise on this promising start.
Here's that Jordan Morris goal, just minutes after the break. The Seattle stalwart halves the deficit for his team.
Decision: No goal
Confirmation of the on-field decision. Morris's dinked finish will not count, the Seattle forward was offside.
What now!
Jordan Morris has the ball in the back of the net once again, but the flag is up once again!
The Seattle man does not appeal this time, but it will be checked by VAR...
Jesus Ferreira connects well with the resultant corner but he can't aim his header on target. Dallas win a throw in on the right wing, rousing the home crowd once again.
Dallas clip the ball forward into the Seattle box and it deflects behind for a corner kick to the hosts.
Joshua Atencio (Seattle)
The Seattle midfielder is booked for a cynical tackle on Paul Arriola to prevent a Dallas break.
Brilliant play from Bernard Kamungo to run 50 yards with the ball, bundling through the Seattle challenges in the middle of the pitch.
Seattle have started this half well, but Dallas will still pose a threat through Kamungo.
Corner kick for Seattle Sounders. Jordan Morris whips the ball in but Dallas get the ball clear.
It's a GOOOOAAAAALL
After consulting with his assistant the referee reversing the original decision and awards the goal!
Jordan Morris gets his team back in the game!
Goooooaa... OFFSIDE!
Jordan Morris has the ball in the back of the net for Seattle, but it's been ruled out for offside.
It's going to be checked by the officials though...
And we're back!
FC Dallas get things underway in the second half...
The players are back out ready for the second half. No changes for either team at the break.
Clinical Dallas stun Seattle
Few would have tipped FC Dallas to make it through after that comfortable 2-0 win for Seattle Sounders in their best-of-three opener. But Dallas have flipped this tie on its head with a comprehensive first half performance.
Can they keep it up after the break? That's the question...
Hosts put in big performance despite Velasco loss
FC Dallas have made a brilliant start to this must-win game, made even more impressive by the fact that they are without playmaker Alan Velasco due to injury. The team paid tribute to Velasco by displaying his shirt ahead of kick-off, and that seems to have inspired them.
Dallas stun sleepy Seattle
FC Dallas got off to a lightning-quick start at Toyota Stadium, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes to take control of this crucial MLS Cup Playoffs fixture. Seattle did manage to stem the tide after a woeful start, but they have not really troubled the Dallas goal in the first 45.
Halftime at Toyota Stadium
We're halfway through this must-win game for FC Dallas, and they are indeed winning.
Big half time team talk needed for Seattle at the break.
We're going to have four minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Interestingly, as half time approaches, there is a lot of activities on the touchline as substitutes from both teams are put through their paces.
After a chastening first 20 minutes, it wouldn't be particularly surprising if one of the cautioned Seattle defences is withdrawn.
Brilliant first touch from Cristian Roldan to control a long ball forward, dropping the ball at the feet of Jordan Morris. He looks to play the ball out wide to Leo Chu on the other side, but Dallas manage to shepherd the ball out for a corner kick.
Seattle pump the ball forward with a long kick from Stefan Frei but Dallas quickly regain possession.
Jordan Morris - who, admittedly, isn't really a target man - has struggled to make the ball stick in the opening 40 minutes, making it hard for Seattle to bring any sustained pressure.
You get the sense that Kamungo is really in Nouhou's head after that blistering early start. The Dallas youngster wins a cheap throw in for his side with a neat dummy.
Seattle's press is functioning a bit better now after a slow start from the visitors.
Dallas' real threat is coming from the more direct press, whether that be from a long pass into Jesus Ferreira or a through ball for Bernard Kamungo.
Either way, Seattle need to disrupt the supple to those two dangermen if they are to play their way back into this game.
Joshua Atencio does brilliantly to dance through the Dallas midfield and gets his shirt pulled as he approaches the box. Referee waves to play the advantage but it comes to nothing.
Seattle may well have preferred the free kick, there.
Seattle enjoying a little more of the ball in the last few minutes, finally starting to play their way into the game.
Liam Fraser is penalised for a clumsy foul on the halfway line, but it came from his eagerness to press the unsettled Seattle backline. Dallas lack a really prolific goalscorer but they are certainly a handful when they're in this mood.
The noise in Toyota Stadium is really something after a scintillating start from the home side. Few gave FC Dallas must chance going into this best-of-three series but they have put themselves in a brilliant position to take the series into a third fixture.
There's a bit of respite for the Seattle defence as the visitors win a corner kick. Nouhou connects well with the cross but his headed effort is off-target.
FC Dallas take control in must-win playoff clash
In the past Jesus Ferreira has struggled to replicate his regular season form in the playoffs, but he made no mistake from the spot to double his side's advantage tonight.
Twenty minutes in, could things possibly have gone better for FC Dallas?
Not only have they built a solid lead but the Sounders backline is looking very nervy. Nouhou Tolo and Yeimar Gomez have both been booked after desperate challenges. With Bernard Kamungo in such electric form, the defensive duo are walking a tightrope nw.
Ferreira doubles Dallas' lead from the spot
Dallas are on fire at Toyota Stadium and are showing no sign of slowing down.
GOOOOOAAAAAL! Jesus Ferreira
The FC Dallas talisman makes no mistake from the spot, squeezing the ball past Stefan Frei and into the bottom corner!
Seattle are shell-shocked!
It's a penalty to Dallas!
It had to be!
Dallas' blistering start continues with a penalty kick to double their lead.
Kamungo has been unplayable in the opening stages here.
VAR check for a penalty.
We've got a pause in the game here and it certainly seems like Dallas have a good claim for penalty here.
Still, we wait...
Huge appeals for a penalty from Dallas as Bernard Kamungo is felled once again, this time in the penalty area. Referee waves away their claims.
It was Nouhou Tolo on Kamungo again. VAR will look at this...
There's a bit of respite for the beleaguered Seattle backline as they work their way up the pitch. The ball is fired across the face of goal but Christian Roldan can't quite connect at the back post.
Nouhou Tolo (Seattle)
The big defender is booked for a desperate tackle on Kamungo, and is a little lucky to avoid further punishment for a furious reaction.
Seattle need to calm things down here...
Paul Arriola gives Dallas the lead
Here's that crucial breakthrough goal for Dallas, courtesy of Paul Arriola. That goal gives Dallas some real impetus and a lead to protect in this game.
The Sounders are really on the ropes here in front of a fervent Toyota Stadium atmosphere.
Kamungo is on the ball against, showing neat feet. He is hacked down in desperation and Dallas win a free kick on the right wing.
It was a well-taken goal from Dallas, and one that showed the importance of having Bernard Kamungo in the team. The youngster cut inside from the right and curled a delicate cross in towards Arriola, who applied a slight touch to flick the ball home.
GOOOOOAAAAL! Paul Arriola
FC Dallas have the lead within a matter of minutes!
What a start for the hosts!
Dallas on top in the early stages but Seattle are keeping them at arms' length so far. The Sounders managed to dominate in the opener in Seattle, but tonight's game will be a different proposition in Toyota Stadium.
And we're off!
We're underway at Toyota Stadium for this crucial playoff clash...
Kick-off time changed!
Confirmation that the MLS Cup clash between FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders has been pushed back for a few minutes.
Elsewhere in MLS tonight, Red Bull New York's must-win game against Cincinnati has gone to a penalty shootout after a chaotic period of added time. Could there be an upset on the cards there?
Kick-off approaches at Toyota Stadium
We're just 10 minutes from kick-off at Toyota Stadium for this crucial playoff clash between FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders.
Dallas need to win to force a game three back in Seattle. If the Sounders win tonight they are through to the Conference Finals and Dallas are out.
Seattle look to secure place in Western Conference Finals
Seattle have managed to rejuvenate their squad effectively this season, putting the failure of 2022 behind them. But that being said, they still feature some of the stalwarts from the 2016 and 2019 MLS Cup-winning iterations.
This year has been billed as something of a 'last dance' for some of the Seattle squad. Will their experience be crucial tonight?
Away from Toyota Stadium, Cincy level up
Dallas and Seattle Sounders are poised to kick things off in the West, but Cincinnati have just burst RBNY's bubble in the East. Here's the goal from Aaron Boupendza; they could be heading to a penalty shootout at Red Bull Arena.
Elsewhere in MLS Cup Playoffs...
The only other MLS fixture tonight is taking place in NYC, where Supporters' Shield winners FC Cincinnati have just levelled things against Red Bull New York.
Cincinnati won the first game in the best-of three series, meaning that RBNY have to win tonight to avoid elimination. The game is tied with 15 minutes remaining, meaning that we could be going to penalties.
We'll keep you updated on the developments from Red Bull Arena while we continue our build-up to FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders.
Family in attendance for Bernard Kamungo return
Young FC Dallas forward Bernard Kamungo has been one of the breakthrough stars of MLS this season, forcing his way into the first team and catching the eye with his performances. Kamungo revealed in a recent interview that his family had never seen him play before.
Tonight, with Kamungo fighting to keep his side in the playoffs, his family are at Toyota Stadium to cheer him on.
This year's MLS Cup Playoffs are utilising a new format, with best-of-three series to decide which teams progress to the Conference Finals. The new structure has increased the number of matches being played in Round One, but some worry that the additional fixtures have watered down the intensity of the playoffs.
Here's what some have said about the new format...
Recap: Jordan Morris secures Seattle Sounders win
Seattle Sounders started their post-season journey with a win last weekend, sealed with a brilliant team goal with 20 minutes remaining. Jordan Morris, currently operating as a central striker for the Sounders, applied a decisive finishing touch to a slick team move.
Can Dallas keep the Seattle forward under wraps tonight?
And here's the Seattle Sounders starting XI
The visitors make no changes to the team that secured a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory over Dallas in the first game of this best-of-three series.
The 2019 MLS Cup winners will be hoping for a drama-free win tonight to wrap up the series without needing a third game. However, things may not be that easy at Toyota Stadium...
FC Dallas line-up to face Seattle
Here's how the hosts start this evening...
As expected Bernard Kamungo comes into the starting XI, to join Ferreira and Arriola in a fluid front three.
The scene is set
Could you have asked for better conditions for tonight's crucial playoff clash? FC Dallas are battling for post-season survival and should have a capacity crowd at Toyota Stadium. They take on a Seattle Sounders side who are full of experience and looked the better, more well-rounded team in the playoff opener.
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We haven't got team news from Toyota Stadium just yet, but all the signs suggest that young sensation Bernard Kamungo will feature from the start for FC Dallas tonight. The MLS debutant has been a real match-winner for Dallas this season but suffered a minor injury in their regular season closer.
Kamungo was fit enough to feature from the bench in the first game out in Seattle. He is expected to start tonight.
Sounders in the house
Here come tonight's visitors, Seattle Sounder arrive at Toyota Stadium for what looks set to be a fascinating night of MLS Cup Playoff action. Seattle have a full squad for tonight's game and will be looking secure their place in the Conference Finals without having to play the third game.
Team news from Dallas expected very shortly...
What is the weather like in Dallas?
How's the forecast looking for FC Dallas tonight? Well, conditions on the pitch could be very tricky but the weather forecast looks perfect for those heading to Toyota Stadium tonight.
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We should have team news from Toyota Stadium in the next 20 minutes, but there is one key omission from the FC Dallas team that we know in advance. Young playmaker Alan Velasco has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2023 season after picking up an injury in the first playoff game in Seattle.
Hosts arrive in Dallas
The home team are here for a crucial MLS Cup Playoff clash against Seattle!
USMNT striker Jesus Ferreira struggled to have an impact on the game in the first fixture in Seattle, but his quality is there for all to see. He could be aided by the return to fitness of Bernard Kamungo, the young star making waves in his debut season.
Dallas look to extend incredible home record
Tonight's task for Dallas could be helped by their fervent home support, a factor that has seen them build an impressive unbeaten streak at Toyota Stadium. Dallas have not lost any of their last ten home fixtures and they can keep their playoff dreams alive if they extend that record tonight.
However seven of those ten unbeaten matches have ended in draws. If the scores are level at full time tonight, we'll be going straight to a penalty shootout.
FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders predictions
Based on their respective regular season performances, Seattle Sounders should be the strong favourites to progress past FC Dallas. But the Texas side can be a tough proposition at Toyota Park and will be looking to make a statement in what could be their final home game of the 2023 season.
Dallas soccer reporter Steve Davis gives three keys to tonight's game...
Hello and welcome to AS USA, we're we'll be bringing you full live coverage of the crucial playoff clash between FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders.
Tonight's game is the second in a best-of-three series between the two sides. Seattle picked up the win in the opening fixture, meaning that Dallas need a victory at Toyota Stadium to keep their post-season journey alive.
Seattle are some observers' pick to lift MLS Cup, so Dallas will have to be at their very best to push this series into a third match.