Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas: 3 Keys for Game 1
By Paul Taylor
3) No repeat of performance against Sporting KC
We’ve already discussed this, but it seems worth repeating that Sporting KC were the better team on Thursday. They just worked harder and seemed to want it more, especially during the first half.
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The Sounders did come into the game more during the second 45 minutes and obviously did what it took to get the win. However, they quite simply cannot afford a repeat performance against FC Dallas.
There will be some concern about the Sounders’ ability to come out of the gate quicker, simply because this will be their third game in eight days. This is likely why most of the senior players were absent from training on Friday, with rest being just as important at this stage of the season.
While facing the Supporters Shield and US Open Cup winners will be a tough challenge, the Sounders can take heart from their recent performance against them, even though they went on to lose late. In addition, FC Dallas will be without their fantastic playmaker Mauro Diaz, which can only help Schmetzer’s team.
Ultimately though, this is about the Sounders doing what their head coach often stresses about controlling what you can control. In other words, aim to set the tempo early and take advantage of playing the first leg at home, in front of the most passionate fan base in MLS.
What are you predicting from Game 1 between the Sounders and FC Dallas? What do you think the final outcome will be, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.