Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas: 3 Keys for Game 2

Oct 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; The Seattle Sounders FC celebrate after Seattle Sounders FC forward Nelson Valdez (16) scored a goal against FC Dallas during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle Sounders FC defeated FC Dallas 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; The Seattle Sounders FC celebrate after Seattle Sounders FC forward Nelson Valdez (16) scored a goal against FC Dallas during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle Sounders FC defeated FC Dallas 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Sounders
Oct 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; The Seattle Sounders FC celebrate after Seattle Sounders FC forward Nelson Valdez (16) scored a goal against FC Dallas during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle Sounders FC defeated FC Dallas 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

With a 3-0 lead heading into the second leg against FC Dallas, we look at three key factors which will determine if the Seattle Sounders advance to the Western Conference Final.

The Seattle Sounders have had a lot of success since entering MLS in 2009. Some of their more impressive achievements include winning four U.S. Open Cups and making it to at least the Western Conference Semifinals every single season.

However, the Rave Green have yet to win the MLS Cup, having only twice advanced to the Conference Championships. In that respect, Brian Schmetzer’s team finds themselves in an unusual situation ahead of Sunday’s game against FC Dallas.

Only once before have the Sounders entered the second leg of a Conference Semifinal with a lead, ironically against this very same opponent last season. However, that was a tenuous 2-1 lead – something which you can’t say about this year’s 3-0 scoreline.

The temptation is to think the job is already done, but most sensible supporters won’t be taking anything for granted. With that said, let’s consider three keys which will go a long way towards deciding if Seattle can do what it takes to move on to the final four.