SEATTLE -- Neither side managed to break through over 90 minutes and the Seattle Sounders’ settled for a 0-0 draw in their Western Conference matchup with FC Dallas at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday.
The match was a defensive slog throughout, with neither team managing to get much going offensively. The Sounders had a couple of half-chances, most notably after second-half substitute Jordan Morris nearly got on the end of a cross from Joevin Jones at the far post in the 74th minute, but the shot went into the side netting.
No one would manage to break through despite nine minutes of second-half stoppage time, forcing the sides to split the points and moving to Seattle to 14-9-8 and 50 points on the season through 31 matches.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
TOUGH SLEDDING
It was just one of those nights at the CLink, as the match felt like it was stuck in second gear for pretty much the entire evening. If there’s an encouraging sign for the Sounders, it would be the clean sheet for a defense that has been leaking too many goals lately, but Head Coach Brian Schmetzer will also certainly wish Seattle had been able to break through for what would have been a game-winning goal.
ARREAGA SENT OFF
Center back Xavier Arreaga was a big part of the improved defensive showing, but the Sounders were dealt a blow late when he picked up a second yellow card and was sent off late in the second half. The Ecuadorian will be suspended for Seattle’s next match – a Sunday road matchup against DC United (5:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 1090 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
CRUNCH TIME
The Sounders obviously would have liked all three points, but they at least for the moment have retained second place in the Western Conference with the result. It’s officially crunch time for the Rave Green, as Seattle still control their own destiny for a home playoff game if they can pull off results in their final three games. That starts with DC on Sunday, before another road matchup against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sept. 29. Seattle will then wrap up its 2019 regular season slate with a Decision Day clash at CenturyLink against Minnesota United on Oct. 6 (TICKETS).
