Sounders FC Will Face Los Angeles Galaxy In Western Conference Finals

Sometimes in soccer a scoreless tie is reason for big celebration. Not always, but sometimes. This was one of those sometimes.

Seattle Sounders FC and FC Dallas dueled to a 0-0 draw in front of 38,912 fans. Good enough, to be sure, as the draw ensured Sounders FC of a series win and a trip to the Western Conference Finals.

This is the first year of a new playoff rule designed to avoid determining playoff series with shootouts: the away goal rule. This new wrinkle is essentially the reason Sounders FC could play for a tie, as they also tied the first game of the series 1-1. But since that game was played in Texas, Seattle’s goal was given more weight. Thus, it became the tiebreaker after neither team scored Monday.

It’s the first time in three years that the Supporters’ Shield winner has made it this far in the playoffs. The dream is still alive for Sounders FC, who are aiming to become the first team in MLS history to capture the Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup, and MLS Cup. Seattle, remember, has never so much as played in an MLS Cup before. If they make it past the Finals, they’ll be breaking new ground.

Of course, the road to the MLS Cup won’t be easy. They’ll have to get through a familiar foe: the rival Los Angeles Galaxy. The format is the same as the Semifinals, but the stakes are obviously much higher. And, with all due respect to FC Dallas, Seattle will have a much tougher opponent to deal with.

Leg one of the Finals is on November 23rd at StubHub Center. The second leg is on November 30th at CenturyLink Field. Get ready, Sounders fans – it doesn’t get much better than this.