FC Dallas are set to take on Seattle Sounders in game two of MLS Cup playoffs on November 4 at Toyota Stadium.
The 2-0 scoreline in favor of Sounders may have flattered them a little bit, as legendary goalkeeper and all-time appearances leader Stefan Frei came up with a few huge saves to keep the clean sheet. Goals from Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnak were enough to propel the side to a game one victory and a 1-0 series lead.
As if being 1-0 down in the series wasn’t bad enough, Dallas will now be without star Alan Velasco for the rest of the playoffs and most of the 2024 season after he suffered a torn ACL at Lumen Field in game one. It’s a huge loss for Dallas, as Velasco is one of the team’s most creative players.
Will the Texas side rebound in game two to keep their playoff hopes alive, or will Seattle triumph and advance to the next round?
FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders H2H record
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Velasco isn’t the only Dallas player on the injury list, as a knee injury sees Geovane Jesus miss out as well as a knock for Facundo Quignon. Quignon could be back for game two, but it’s more likely he’ll return to action later this month if Dallas are still in the playoffs, while Jesus is also on a similar timetable.
Without Velasco, Dallas boss Nico Estevez will look to rely on the likes of Paul Arriola and Jader Obrian to do some damage on the wings.
FC Dallas predicted lineup vs Seattle Sounders (4-2-3-1): Paes; Twumasi, Ibeagha, Tafari, Farfan; Pomykal, Illarramendi; Obrian, Arriola, Kamungo; Ferreira.
Unlike Dallas, Sounders have a clean slate on their injury report.
Seattle Sounders predicted lineup vs FC Dallas (4-2-3-1): Frei; Roldan, Gomez, Ragen, Tolo; Paulo, Atencio; Roldan, Rusnak, Chu; Morris.
There will be pressure on both teams, as Dallas will try to avoid being swept 2-0 in the series while Seattle are now expected to close the series out with the Texas side now without Velasco. Dallas might create a few chances here and there, but the Sounders’ rock-solid defense will keep things in line to propel them to a comfortable win and the next round of the playoffs.
Morris and Cristian Roldan will find themselves on the scoresheet to seal the victory for the away side, with Dallas struggling to get things going offensively.
Prediction: FC Dallas 0-2 Seattle Sounders
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