FC Dallas continued their winless streak, while the Seattle Sounders extended their unbeaten run on Saturday in a 0-0 draw at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
The teams, frequent playoff rivals in recent seasons, exchanged chances during the evening, but the match was nearly even in all major categories and neither side had the single moment of separation on the night, as defense ruled the evening.
Goals
Three Things
TWO POINTS LOST: There are still a handful of regular season games to be played, but the result wasn't all that great for either side. Most notably, FC Dallas continued their winless run, now nine games and almost two full months in MLS play. And depending on other results, they may fall below the playoff line in the Western Conference, which would be the culmination of their summer swoon. Seattle managing a road draw is not nearly as rough, as they are looking to take the No. 1 seed in the West, but they definitely lost an opportunity to grab that mantle this week.
DEFENSE SHINES: Admittedly, the pace of this game wasn't crisp and exciting, but both teams' defenses deserve praise for keeping a clean sheet. Coincidentally, both Dallas and the Sounders last posted a shutout on August 12, and in this game, each attack was stymied by organized defending and good individual moments to keep the ball out of the net. For the playoffs, having your defense in order is a must for contenders.
PLAY OF THE GAME:
The turning point of the game came in the 42nd minute, as
Kellyn Acosta's
deceptive one-timer was saved by
Stefan Frei
near the post. If that shot had gone in the net, Dallas' season may be headed in a very different direction.
