Seattle Sounders - FC Dallas summary: score, goals, highlights | MLS Cup Playoffs
Seattle Sounders - FC Dallas: As it happened
Seattle Sounders booked their place in the Western Conference Semi-Finals with a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas, giving them a 2-1 series win.
Both sides knew that victory at Lumen Field on Friday night would mean qualification for the next round and the game got off to a nervy start. As the first half wore on Seattle began to gain the upper hand and they took the lead ten minutes before the break when Albert Rusnak lashed home after a clever ball from Joao Paulo.
Dallas needed a goal to keep their playoff dreams alive but the Sounders continued to dominate in the second half, coming close to extending their lead on multiple occasions. The visitors mustered a late push but they failed to fashion any real chances.
Seattle were able to see out the game with minimal fuss and set up a meeting with LAFC in the next round.
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Seattle Sounders become the sixth team qualified from Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs. There are two more Round One fixtures this weekend, with four teams still looking to book their space.
Here's the full list of teams that have secured their place in the Conference Semi-Finals...
Who will Seattle Sounders face in the playoffs?
With tonight's victory, Seattle Sounders have set up a mouth-watering Conference Semi-Final against the reigning MLS Cup champions LAFC. As Seattle finished second in the regular season they will have home advantage for their clash with LAFC.
Seattle Sounders progress to the Conference Semi-Finals
It wasn't always pretty, but Seattle did enough to get past Dallas and set up a meeting with LAFC in the finals.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeep
The free kick drifts harmlessly out of play and the referees blows for full time!
Free kick for Dallas on the half way line. Goalkeeper going up.
Final chance for Dallas here!
Dallas cross from the left but Frei comes out to claim the ball and that might be that for Seattle.
Its end-to-end stuff now as Dallas look to fashion one chance, throwing balls into the box from all angles.
Dallas are back on the offensive with Sealy but he is dispossessed easily.
They win it back and look to play forward again.
Seattle win a foul near the touchline. They regain possession and get to waste a few more seconds.
Goal kick to Dallas, a chance for Paes to pump the ball forward now.
Seattle win the first ball but are forced to play the ball out for a Dallas throw-in.
We're going to have four minutes of added time at Lumen Field!
Chance! Dallas
Another cross comes into the box and it's Tafari who nods the ball goalwards. It's easily saved, but they are starting to threaten now.
The defender Tafari is just staying up front now.
Miscommunication at the back for Seattle and it's a corner for Dallas.
Their first of the game!
Close! Dallas
That's more like it! The ball is finally clipped forward by Dallas and it nearly pays dividends.
Seattle manage to get it cleared by Dallas come back again...
Another change for Seattle now. The excellent Joao Paulo is replaced by Obed Vargas.
Brilliant play from Jordan Morris who chases down a Dallas defender and nick the ball away. He looks to run clear but is hacked down by Arriola on the halfway line.
Free kick to Seattle.
Silly foul from Jordan Morris, giving FC Dallas a free kick and the opportunity to deliver the ball into the box.
Eventually Joao Paulo clips the ball forward into the box but it's easily repelled by a Dallas header. The visitors have a chance to push forward now.
They need to do something, Dallas haven't recorded a single shot on target so far this evening.
Seattle have a free kick, around ten yards into the Dallas half. They are in no rush to take it now.
We're into the last ten minutes now, a chance for Dallas to mount a final push in this must-win game.
Ntsebeleng and Lletget are the final Dallas substitutes, replacing Pomykal and Twumasi.
Brilliant vision from Nouhou to feed a ball down the line to Morris, but the forward can't bring the ball under control.
Dallas back in possession now, looking to make something happen.
Terrible pass from Ibeagha to give the ball away on the halfway line under no pressure. Seattle regain possession and look to come forward.
As we head into the final 15 minutes of normal time in this best-of-three series, Dallas are still in this tie. They have been second best tonight but they need just one goal to force penalties.
They have not really pushed forward yet, but they will have to take a risk fairly soon.
Dallas look to have an opening for a counter-attack but there's a loose touch by Sealy and the youngster gives away a free kick. Dallas still aren't really posing any threat to the Seattle backline.
Joao Paulo lets fly from 25 yards and Nkosi Tafari does well to block the goal-bound effort.
Chance! Seattle
Seattle clip the resultant free kick into the box. Ragen connects well with a volley at the back post, but his effort flies over the crossbar.
Twumasi
The Dallas full back is cautioned after a cynical block on Nouhou. No complaints there.
And for Seattle, Nicolas Lodeiro is coming on in place of Leo Chu.
There's a double change for Dallas: Jimenez and Sealy come on to replace Obrian and Fraser.
It looks like some more substitutions are being readied, with Dallas looking the most likely to make a change imminently.
There was panic in the Seattle defence as the ball bounced around the penalty box. It eventually fell to Arriola, but he slashed his shot well wide.
Still 1-0 to Seattle.
Things are heating up a little now as the referee waves away appeals for a foul on Jordan Morris before awarding a free kick to Dallas in a good crossing position.
Can they muster something here?
There's nearly an opening for Leo Chu after a sharp one-two on the edge of the box. He can't quite return the ball and it bounces through to Paes.
Seattle have thoroughly outplayed Dallas in the first hour, but their lead is still just a single goal. As it stands, Dallas can take this game to a penalty shootout with a goal.
Do Seattle dare to push further forward in search of a second goal?
First substitution comes from Dallas, who bring on Ansah to replace Kamungo.
Chance! Seattle
Another chance for Jordan Morris, who muscled past Ibeagha and strikes at goal.
Sharp save from Paes to push the ball wide, but Dallas are living very dangerously now.
Leo Chu and Jordan Morris combine again, finding Morris on the corner of the penalty box on the left.
He shimmies inside and looks to curl the ball into the far post. He gets it all wrong and his shot balloons harmlessly wide.
The corner is played short to Atencio, before being whipped into the box.
Too long, Dallas with the goal kick.
Chance! Seattle
Decent opening for Seattle and Morris looks to connect with a low cross.
His effort is blocked and bounces out for a corner.
Dallas are on the attack and find Kamungo on the right. He drifts inside but quickly gets crowded out by the Seattle defence, who regain possession and get their team back on the offensive.
Brilliant run from Leo Chu, gliding past three players in the midfield before eventually being taken down. The loose ball falls to Morris and he looks to have a sight at goal, before checking back and recycling the ball.
Good defending from Nouhou to keep pace with Kamungo and block the Dallas forward as he looks to skip past him.
Kamungo was the difference-maker in Game Two but he has struggled to have any influence tonight.
Close! Seattle
More good play from Seattle as Roldan muscles his way into the Dallas box and clips a cross to the back post. It takes a deflection on the way and just evades Leo Chu, rushing in to meet the cross.
Dallas survive.
Quick start form Seattle as Morris and Chu combine on the edge of the Dallas box.
Chu fires a low cross along the six-yard box but there's no one there to convert.
And we're back!
FC Dallas get the second half underway at Lumen Field...
Albert Rusnak gives Seattle the lead
Here's another angle of that crucial opening goal from Albert Rusnak, nudging his side ahead in this must-win game.
The away team has only won once in one of the last 29 MLS meetings between these two teams. Can Dallas pull of a shock in the second half?
So, what can Dallas do to get back into this game and save their playoff hopes?
Nico Estevez is not helped by injuries to Jesus Ferreira and Alan Velasco, two of the team's most potent creative threats. But Dallas could certainly look to find their wide players more quickly in the second half, allowing Kamungo and Arriola the chance to run at the Seattle defence.
Both players were crucial in the Game Two victory in Texas and they could help Dallas turn it around tonight.
Watch: Seattle Sounders goal puts them ahead
It was a fascinating first half from Lumen Field, but there was just one goal in the opening 45 minutes. It came from a combination between Joao Paulo and Albert Rusnak, carving through the Dallas defence.
Well finished by the Seattle forward.
Peeep peeeep peeeeeeeep
And that's halftime at Lumen Field, Seattle Sounders have a one-goal lead in this crucial playoff deciders.
Dallas just can't deal with the movement in the Seattle attacks. The hosts always seem to have a runner off the back of the Dallas backline and they are pulling them apart.
We're nearly at the break now...
How long can Dallas survive this onslaught? They will be desperately hoping to make it to the break without going further behind.
It looks like Seattle smell blood now, they could be in a commanding position by halftime if they are clinical.
Another opening for Seattle as Alex Roldan finds space in the box and fires it across to Rusnak. Again, Dallas just about scramble the ball clear.
Chance! Seattle
Brilliant hold-up play from Jordan Morris to swivel in the box and lay the ball off for Cristian Roldan, arriving on the penalty spot.
He has acres of room but drags his shot wide. He has to do better there!
Seattle come flying forward again with Nouhou down the left flank. The crowd love it when he's on the ball.
That goal changes the complexion of tonight's game, and indeed the balance of power in this series. Home advantage has been a huge factor in this season's playoffs and Seattle look like they could blow Dallas away here.
The visitors just looking to cling on until halftime.
GOOOOAAAAAAL! Rusnak
The hosts have the break-through and you have it say that it was coming!
Clever ball in behind the Dallas defence from Joao Paulo and Albert Rusnak coolly slots past Paes.
Jader Obrian
The Dallas forward is booked after being over-eager to get back at put pressure on Joao Paulo.
A chance for Seattle to delivery from around 35 yards now...
Seattle are starting to take control of the game now, pinning Dallas back in their own half.
The home crowd is in good voice. They sense that something is building for their side here.
Chance! Seattle
Brilliant run from Jordan Morris in behind the Dallas defence. He pulls the ball back and it lands at the feet of Joao Paulo on the penalty spot.
The Seattle defender looks to pass the ball into the corner but Paes gets down well to save.
Massive chance for Seattle!
Corner played short to Alex Roldan, he dinks a delightful ball into the box. Kamungo heads the ball clear for Dallas.
Nouhou bursts out of defence and into the Seattle midfield, making space for teammates elsewhere.
The hosts continue to push up the field and find Alex Roldan down the right flank. He looks to cross but it's blocked by Junqua.
Seattle corner.
Good play from Atencio to flick a header on towards Leo Chu on the left, but the youngster had strayed offside.
Free kick for FC Dallas midway through their own half.
Leo Chu looks to bundle his way through the Dallas defence but the ball ricochets back at the Seattle forward and a free kick is awarded.
Brilliant touch and turn from Cristian Roldan, who swivels and charges into the Dallas penalty box.
Good spell of possession for Seattle here.
Jackson Ragen wins the header for Seattle but his attempt on goal is easily saved by Paes.
Dallas forward Obrian is told to calm down by the referee after being a little over-eager on the halfway line.
Seattle win the free kick, a chance to clip the ball forward into the box.
There's a real intensity in the game tonight, a sense of finality that has not be present in the previous two meetings in the best-of-three series. There's hardly any time on the ball and both teams are being forced to play pretty directly.
Jordan Morris has struggled to get into the game for Seattle in the opening stages, Dallas' midfield duo has done a good job off blocking the service.
As we approach the 15-minute mark, Dallas will probably be the happier of the two sides. They have managed to prevent any clear sight at goal for the hosts.
That chance came from some strong running from Pomvkal, finding space behind the Seattle backline. He isn't the most technically accomplished forward, but he can be a real nuisance with his tireless running.
Chance! Dallas
First opening of the game goes to the visitors! The ball was pulled back toward Kamungo on the penalty spot but a Seattle defender managed to get a foot in just in time.
Good play from Joao Paulo for Seattle in the middle, sweeping the ball out wide to Roldan on the right.
Even in the first few minutes it's clear to see that Seattle have been told to pay particular attention to Dallas forward Bernard Kamungo. The 21-year-old created both goals in last week's 2-1 win for Dallas.
And just as I write that, Kamungo is scythed down on the edge of the box.
There's a spell of head tennis in the middle of the field, both teams looking to play fairly direct in the opening stages. Both teams are hard-working off the ball and there's very little space in the midfield.
Good play from Dallas to pounce on a loose pass in the Seattle defence. The ball is worked to Arriola, who looks to square it to Obrian in the middle.
Seattle manage to cut it out and clear, but the hosts did not look convincing there defensively.
Another good delivery, this time finding Cristian Roldan's head about right yards from goal. He gets a good connection but can't get it on target.
Goal kick for FC Dallas.
It's a brilliant delivery that zips along the six-yard box and bounces around until Dallas are able to scramble a clearance.
Seattle come straight back at them and win another corner. Rusnak to take again...
Immediately the Sounders are on the attack and win a corner kick.
And we're off!
We're underway at Lumen Field...
Jordan Morris could be key for Seattle Sounders
Seattle boss Brian Schmetzer has opted to field Jordan Morris as a central striker in recent weeks and the experienced forward certainly seems to be enjoying the opportunity. He began his playoff scoring with a thumping header at Lumen Field, before added this brilliant solo goal last time out in Dallas.
Can he make it three from three tonight?
We're about to find out...
Kick-off approaching at Lumen Field. The players are in the tunnel, preparing to walk out in front of this raucous atmosphere in Seattle.
It looks like a thrilling evening of playoff soccer on the cards here...
The winner of Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas will book their place in the Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 playoffs. They will take on reigning MLS Cup champions LAFC, who breezed past Vancouver Whitecaps with a 2-0 series win.
LAFC are one of five teams already qualified for the final eight. Here's who else have secured their passed...
Preparations underway in Seattle
Seattle Sounders have gone a little under the radar this season, but some commentators have tipped them as dark horses in this year's MLS Cup Playoffs. The Seattle team still features members of the sides that won the MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019.
Stalwart Jordan Morris starts up front again tonight, looking to follow up on his two in two record in the playoffs this year.
Recap: Jader Obrian confirms Dallas win
FC Dallas went into Game Two knowing that they would be out of the playoffs unless they beat Seattle Sounders on home turf. They got off to a lightning-quick start, racing into a two-goal lead, but Seattle reduced the deficit in the second half.
Dallas wrapped up the victory late on with this nicely-taken goal from Jader Obrian...
Home advantage could be key at Lumen Field
It's no secret that home advantage plays a role, but when these two sides meet it seems particularly pronounced. The home side has won in both of the two games so far and the home side dominance goes back many years.
In the last 29 MLS meetings between Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas, the home side has only been defeated once. Of the other 28 fixtures, 20 have been won by the home team and there have been eight draws.
Can Dallas spring a surprise and upset the odds tonight?
It will be very interesting to see how Nico Estevez lines up without Jesus Ferreira in the team. He is not always the most reliable finisher but he has hit 13 goals for FC Dallas this year, by far the most in the team.
But Ferreira's influence goes far beyond the numbers; his intelligence and creativity has helped to unlock the likes of Kamungo and Obrian on the flanks.
Jesus Ferreira out for FC Dallas!
Bad news for Dallas fans as team captain Jesus Ferreira is unable to even feature from the bench due to injury. The USMNT forward is a vital cog in the team's offensive structures and will be sorely missed this evening.
Bernard Kamungo will have to shoulder much of Dallas' attacking responsibility after his game-inning contribution in Game Two.
Unchanged team for Seattle Sounders
Incredibly, Seattle Sounders have named the same starting XI for the third consecutive game in this best-of-three series.
Once again there's no room for stalwarts Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro.
We're expecting Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas team news very shortly...
FC Dallas touch down at Lumen Field
Here we go! FC Dallas captain Jesus Ferreira leads his team to Lumen Field for tonight's must-win MLS Cup Playoffs clash. With the best-of-three series tied at 1-1, whoever is victorious this evening will progress to the Conference Semi-Finals.
Looking for a way to watch or stream Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas? We will be bringing you full live coverage right here, but you can also watch the game wherever you are in the world.
Here's everything you need to know...
Lumen Field ready for playoff decider
This season is the first edition of the new best-of-three format in Round One of the playoffs. Seattle took the first game at home and Dallas followed that up with victory in Texas to level the series.
Tonight we're back at Lumen Field, Seattle for this all-important Game Three.
Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas: Live!
Good evening and welcome to AS USA, where we will be bringing you all of the action from the crucial playoff clash. Seattle will be the favourites to progress at Lumen Field but they come up against a Dallas side who can pose a real threat on the bench.
One team's playoff journey ends tonight...