The Seattle Sounders are into their second straight Western Conference Final, grinding out a 1-0 win over FC Dallas at home on Tuesday in the Semifinal Round of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Seattle found the breakthrough in the 49th minute when Shane O’Neill headed home from six yards out for the 1-0 lead. The center back latched onto an out-swinging corner kick from Nicolas Lodeiro after Yeimar Gomez Andrade set a pick on O’Neill’s marker, then made no mistake in finishing past Jimmy Maurer.
Dallas came agonizingly close to an equalizer in the 63rd minute when presented with two golden chances. Michael Barrios first fired a Ryan Hollingshead cross from the left flank off the post, only for Andrade to provide a goal-line clearance on Andres Ricaurte’s follow-up effort.
While the game opened up in the second half, it was a relative stalemate during the first 45 minutes. Seattle held a 9-4 shots advantage at halftime, but neither team landed one on target. Dallas attempted 10 shots during the game, but Stefan Frei didn't have to make any saves.
Goals
- 49' – SEA – Shane O'Neill | WATCH
Three Things
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Nicolas Lodeiro now has an assist in six straight playoff games, which is an
. Whether it was providing key passes, tireless running or an outlet on the break, the Uruguayan maestro produced a vintage performance. He had a touching pre-game tribute to Diego Maradona, too.
Next Up
- SEA: Monday, Dec. 7 vs. Minnesota United FC (9:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes in US; TSN, TVA Sports in Canada) | Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final
- DAL: End of season