Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas: 3 Keys for Game 1

2) Alonso must keep his composure

It was interesting to discuss Osvaldo Alonso with members of the media who have covered the Sounders since they entered MLS in 2009. In particular, one journalist pointed out the 30-year old is usually good for a few moments every season, when he appears to temporarily lose his sanity.

This proved to be particularly prophetic, given an incident which took place during Thursday’s scrappy affair with Sporting KC. Already sitting on a yellow card from the first half, Alonso could have easily been sent off after making a rash sliding tackle on Benny Feilhaber.

Adding an interesting subplot to this, Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes claimed Schmetzer admitted privately that his combative midfielder should have been red-carded. Schmetzer denied this on Friday, adding: “Whatever Pete says, that’s his business, I can’t address that.”

A couple of things come to mind, including the fact Vermes appears to not understand the nature of what a private conversation actually means. In addition, it’s possible Schmetzer did say that, but only as an attempt to pacify his counterpart, who was clearly livid at the conclusion of the game.

Regardless, what is clear is that Alonso cannot afford to put himself in another compromising position on Sunday, against FC Dallas. One more yellow card would mean he misses the second game, and we’ve seen examples this season and last of what happens when the Sounders play at Toyota Stadium without their tenacious field general.