Seattle Sounders beat FC Dallas, 2-1

May 7, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; The Seattle Sounders FC celebrate with fans after defeating the FC Dallas at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated FC Dallas 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

In what is starting to become a popular trend in the coffee capital of the world, the Seattle Sounders beat FC Dallas 2-1 on Wednesday night in a come-from-behind victory. Michel scored for Dallas at the 16 minute mark, while Obafemi Martins and Kenny Cooper scored during the 62nd and 88th minutes, respectively.

As usual, Seattle was the dominant offensive side throughout the match. For the first 15 minutes, they were the ones controlling the play against a FC Dallas team that was short 4 starters. However, Dallas was able to catch a break when Brad Evans and Blas Perez got tangled up during a sequence in the Seattle box. This lead to a controversial call by the referee to award a penalty kick, which Evans wasn’t too happy about. Michel converted on the PK to put his side up 1-0. After that, Dallas battened down the hatches and tried to suffocate the Seattle offensive, making sure that through balls didn’t get to stars like Martins and Clint Dempsey.

This trend continued throughout the first 15 minutes of the second half, as Seattle continued to try to get the ball to Dempsey and Martins. But the Dallas defense wouldn’t allow them any space to make plays, always having 4-5 men ready to contain either player. But this changed during the 62nd minute when Martins made a nifty little pass to Lamar Neagle, who ran towards the side of the net and tapped the ball in to tie it up. Dallas continued to play men back and knock time off the clock, but Seattle continued to drive the ball towards the net, inching closer and closer to breaking a potential draw. It finally happened in the 85th minute when Cooper, who had just been subbed on about a minute earlier, finished another pass by Martins that ultimately put the home side up 2-1 on the night.

After screwing me up last week by scoring a goal, I can finally give Chad Marshall the UGH Award that he deserves. He had yet another solid performance on both sides of the pitch; he had two great scoring opportunities off of set pieces, while also completely shutting down any offense that Dallas could muster. He has been a central part of the Sounders’ game plan all season, and he continues to pay dividends for Seattle boss Sigi Schmid.