After profitable the largest sport in group historical past, the Sounders performed a massively rotated lineup and acquired the anticipated outcome: a loss on the highway to a strong Dallas group. Seattle regarded okay for the primary 60 minutes or so, bending with out breaking and even having an enormous likelihood to take a lead, however finally Dallas’ starters overwhelmed a makeshift Sounders lineup, and Seattle misplaced 2-0 in one other MLS defeat. Seattle wasn’t credited with a single shot between Léo Chú’s breakaway within the 24^th and Albert Rusnák’s shot within the 87^th. That’s 63 minutes between pictures in knowledgeable soccer sport, which is unlikely to get the job executed. The sector was dreadful, with each groups slipping all through, though Dallas appeared extra ready to take care of taking part in on no matter that floor was. Seattle probably cried all the way in which dwelling to their CCL-champion beds.

Stefan Cleveland – 6 | Neighborhood – 5.7

Cleveland was advantageous, trying like a strong MLS-level keeper. He had 4 saves and saved Seattle within the match for the primary two-thirds of the sport, earlier than finally being unable to cease the massive probabilities that Dallas created.

One factor I favored: A fourth minute save set the tone early, signaling to the house group that there wouldn’t be any simple targets. He had one other within the 60^th minute to maintain the rating stage that impressed.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 13^th minute, Stefan fumbled a clearance as he slipped on the turf and practically gave the ball on to Dallas to counter.

Going ahead: After watching Stefan Frei’s dominance in profitable CCL, it’s necessary to keep in mind that Cleveland is a strong backup who will constantly present up with MLS-level performances.

Jimmy Medranda – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.1 (off 58’ for A. Roldan)

After struggling tremendously in his first few appearances this season, Medranda confirmed a much-improved sport in opposition to Dallas, handing over a strong defensive effort with a number of significant offensive contributions.

One factor I favored: Protection comes first and Jimmy had two clearances, a sort out, an interception, and 5 recoveries as a part of a resilient defensive backline that didn’t concede with him on the sector, all whereas navigating deplorable subject circumstances.

One factor I didn’t like: Medranda had clear, sturdy service from large areas, however wasn’t in a position to join on any of his three makes an attempt into the field. A few of this was lack of targets, however on no less than one event a move that he’s fully able to was missed. This led to a much less spectacular 73 % move completion fee.

Going ahead: This was a optimistic step ahead for Medranda, who regarded terrible in his first few appearances this season. Seattle should lean on its depth because the fixture congestion will increase, and Medranda has an opportunity for many taking part in time if he continues this improved play.

Nouhou – 6 | Neighborhood – 6.3 (MOTM)

Nouhou was his ordinary energetic self, however he drained and was unable to forestall Dallas from scoring a number of instances within the final third of the match. His 47 touches and 84 % passing have been each okay, as he moved centrally as a part of a three-centerback formation.

One factor I favored: With Dallas breaking for a probable third purpose within the 93^rd minute, Nouhou hustled again 60 yards to chase down the opponent and block their assault, stopping an enormous likelihood. That form of coronary heart issues.

One factor I didn’t like: Nouhou struggled with the turf, slipping and flopping round much more than ordinary, with 30^th and 70^th minute slips permitting Dallas in behind. Extra regarding was when he dribbled across the field within the 55^th minute as an alternative of acknowledging the hazard and simply clearing the ball.

Going ahead: Unpredictable as at all times, Nouhou seems to be wholesome and able to play full 90s, and he might be wanted because the season fills up with matches.

Jackson Ragen – 6 (MOTM) | Neighborhood – 6.0

Ragen had an 86 % completion fee passing and was a gentle rock centrally for a defensive unit that was below strain for a lot of the match. Though Seattle finally conceded, Jackson was wonderful in limiting good probabilities and giving the Sounders an opportunity.

One factor I favored: Three tackles, two interceptions, three clearances, three blocked pictures — Ragen racked up 15 defensive actions and was a standout on a group that was below hearth for lengthy durations of time.

One factor I didn’t like: Whereas he had various key defensive actions, Jackson tends to offer an excessive amount of house to opponents. Maybe resulting from an absence of tempo or worry of being crushed, this permits intelligent opponents a neater time navigating across the giant middle again.

Going ahead: Ragen continues to indicate wonderful passing and distribution from the again whereas possessing distinctive composure and defending effectively. Not a probable starter as a result of immense abilities in entrance of him, Jackson might be a key piece of a secondary group trying to win each trophy on the market.

Abdoulaye Cissoko – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.3

AB Cissoko acquired a begin as the fitting middle again of the protection and had a really up and down efficiency. His 86 % passing was wonderful, conserving some possession and discovering secure passes, however he wasn’t at all times on the identical web page as teammates and relied an excessive amount of on last-ditch desperation protection relatively than constant positioning.

One factor I favored: After some large defensive performs across the 70^th minute, Cissoko allowed a shot within the 74^th however it was a powerful play: by marking the runner throughout the field he compelled an imminent shot to a predictable spot. Generally you possibly can’t block each try, and giving your goalie an opportunity to take care of a shot from a useful angle is an underrated trait from good defenders.

One factor I didn’t like: Cissoko struggled to maneuver throughout the sector along with his protection as a unit, and at instances was victimized diving in on protection (and being nutmegged on no less than one event).

Going ahead: ABC is a strong defender however clearly the fifth or so choice at middle again; he stays an honest choice when taking place the depth chart.

Ethan Dobbelaere – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.1 (off 80’ for Leyva)

Dobbelaere acquired a uncommon begin and has discovered a little bit of a distinct segment as an outdoor again venture. In opposition to Dallas, he was pretty quiet, which isn’t essentially a horrible factor on a group that was content material to defend and search for probabilities relatively than play on the entrance foot. Eighty-four % passing, 53 touches for Ethan on this one.

One factor I favored: An early back-post play within the 10^th minute was adopted up by a pleasant 16^th minute cross — two of the few moments that Dobbeleare was efficient going ahead.

One factor I didn’t like: Ethan had a number of psychological lapses and poor resolution making, the worst of which was within the 68^th minute with a really unhealthy move being simply stolen and instantly utilized in a Dallas counter assault.

Going ahead: Ethan Dobbeleare wasn’t on my radar of potential gamers on this match however he confirmed that Seattle’s roster has a whole lot of depth. Whereas not excellent, the sport didn’t appear too large for Ethan, and he stays a man who can eat minutes with an outdoor likelihood of additional growth whereas offering strong integration into extra well-established items.

Joshua Atencio – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.2 (off 63’ for Rusnák)

Atencio acquired a begin in defensive midfield and instantly introduced a toughness and onerous tackling depth to the center. He ended with 27 touches and had 72 % completion.

One factor I favored: He had some good motion and defensive cowl that allowed his associate, Obed Vargas, to get into extra superior positions on the few events Seattle was in a position to take action.

One factor I didn’t like: As a lot as Josh hustled round, he was simply … absent for a lot of the match. He barely touched the ball, didn’t influence the match going ahead in any trend, and was a part of a midfield pairing that leaked vertical runs on quite a few events.

Going ahead: With a season-ending harm in entrance of them, the backup defensive midfielders must be elevating their sport, hungry for the chance provided. This efficiency wasn’t that.

Obed Vargas – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.5

Obed acquired a begin a number of days after taking part in a lot of the cup remaining and performed 90 minutes of tired-looking soccer. He had the majority of the central defensive touches (47) and accomplished 77 % of his passes whereas incomes a key move however few defensive notes.

One factor I favored: Within the 15^th minute Vargas trapped the ball, turned in visitors, and drove in direction of purpose in a superb show of management and precision in a crowded space.

One factor I didn’t like: Defensively, Obed was principally misplaced, relying on teammates to cowl as he misplaced runs vertically on a good variety of events. Maybe the obvious defensive lapses have been on the targets: the primary noticed him drift to the highest of the field and miss a vertical runner proper behind him who would rating, and the opposite had Vargas gradual to shut down his man, permitting a far-post cross to hit dwelling for the second.

Going ahead: With a season-ending harm in entrance of them, the backup defensive midfielders must be elevating their sport, hungry for the chance provided. This efficiency wasn’t that.

Léo Chú – 6 | Neighborhood – 5.4 (off 63’ for C. Roldan)

Léo Chú returned from harm and was energetic up the wing, drifting into the assault each large and centrally and discovering various good probabilities, leveraging his tempo and direct play. Though solely touching the ball 21 instances, Chú earned two pictures to steer the group.

One factor I favored: Within the 15^th minute Chú popped up inside, considerably paying homage to how Jordan Morris has been emulating a second striker setup, and it helped create an opportunity.

One factor I didn’t like: In minute 24, Léo took off after a Fredy Montero clearance from defending a nook and, aided by a defensive slip, acquired in behind the protection with a 1-v-1 and an opportunity to place Seattle within the lead. His shot went large.

Going ahead: Chú provides a novel ability set to this roster and continues to deliver direct, impactful play each day trip. Sadly, he hasn’t put all of it collectively but, and he stays notable for his errors as a lot as his successes.

Fredy Montero– 6 | Neighborhood – 5.6

Added to the lineup however thrust right into a tough place, Montero did his greatest to facilitate others in a restricted position. He had 44 touches and had a stellar team-leading 89 % completion fee, pushing the Sounders’ possession and making an attempt to create from small alternatives.

One factor I favored: In a turbulent match, Fredy did what he may to gradual the ball down and retain possession for his group, together with some early tactical fouls earned and a few nice managed play centrally to assist Seattle transition the zones, even practically aiding on an enormous purpose by placing Chú into house.

One factor I didn’t like: Seattle wasn’t in a position to get the ball to Montero with any cohesive supporting runs, and more often than not he was compelled into being a holdup ahead from the attacking midfield place.

Going ahead: Montero is a drive multiplier, however the drive was principally absent on this one.

Will Bruin – 4 | Neighborhood – 4.7 (off 63’ for Adeniran)

Bruin was introduced in to play up entrance and convey teammates into the play, however he had a lackluster, fully mundane efficiency. He had 20 touches and received a header.

One factor I favored: A few hustle performs round midfield allowed Seattle some momentary respiratory room.

One factor I didn’t like: Being nonexistent on offense could have been higher than his positioning and runs, which restricted what little offense teammates created. Defensively, he was crushed thrice in a row on set items throughout the first 20 minutes.

Going ahead: Bruin isn’t producing, though a lot of the time he’s paired with backups at greatest. He could also be on the level in his profession the place he can’t carry others, as an alternative relying on teammates to create for him.

Alex Roldan – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.6 (on 58’ for Medranda)

Alex was tossed into the match to offer a tiring Medranda a break from skating across the subject.

One factor I favored: Alex was energetic, getting 25 touches, and his 83 % passing was an enchancment. He added a key move.

One factor I didn’t like: Roldan was much less efficient on the left, and by the point he moved to the fitting the group wasn’t within the creating-many-chances enterprise.

Going ahead: Roldan drew the brief straw, and sure will proceed to maintain taking part in as a lot as his health will enable.

Samuel Adeniran – 4 | Neighborhood – 4.2 (on 63’ for Bruin)

Adeniran got here in for Bruin and moved to the left in a pseudo winger/ahead hybrid.

One factor I favored: He regarded okay the few instances he acquired the ball, utilizing his dimension to maintain possession and discovering teammates at an 83 % clip.

One factor I didn’t like: Ten touches have been all he may muster in an in the end disappointing efficiency. Misplaced for a lot of the time, Sam wasn’t capable of finding the ball usually, and when he did, he failed to search out any accompanying house.

Going ahead: Sam has potential, however as an alternative of working at opponents with the ball at his toes and displaying ferocious dimension and pace, Adeniran has meekly taken what the opponents have given him, which isn’t a lot.

Albert Rusnák – 6 | Neighborhood – 5.9 (on 63’ for Atencio)

Including Rusnák introduced a bit extra management within the midfield on offense, however the drained protection and poor positioning everywhere in the subject after these subs left Seattle with loads of holes that have been exploited.

One factor I favored: On his 24 touches, Rusnák had a implausible 95 % completion fee, and he was one of many few gamers linking up by means of the midfield with a optimistic tactical influence.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 87^th minute, with a possible likelihood to grab a late level, he tried a shot as an alternative of crossing right into a harmful space, which left your complete group wanting.

Going ahead: Rusnák seems in a position to play each three days at a excessive stage, however I’m undecided it’s clever to proceed doing so.

Cristian Roldan – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.7 (on 63’ for Chu)

Cristian got here in and performed a hybrid winger/midfielder with a whole lot of working in between.

One factor I favored: Twenty touches and 88 % passing noticed Cristian as one other large improve on the sector.

One factor I didn’t like: He slipped badly on protection after dropping the ball, compounding an already fraught state of affairs with a turnover. Dallas acquired a shot instantly after after which scored moments later.

Going ahead: Roldan additionally seems in a position to play each three days at a excessive stage, however ought to he?

Danny Leyva – 5 | Neighborhood – 4.7 (on 80’ for Dobbeleare)

Leyva acquired a late 10 minutes to attempt to flip the tide of one-way visitors in direction of Seattle’s purpose.

One factor I favored: Danny had good management on practically all of his 10 touches, and located teammates practically each time he had the possibility.

One factor I didn’t like: With solely 10 touches, Levya did not make the most of his likelihood to indicate midfield power.

Going ahead: He wasn’t unhealthy, however he didn’t do sufficient that was noteworthy on this alternative to advertise himself for extra taking part in time.

Alan Chapman – 6 | Neighborhood – 5.8

This was a reasonably boring match to ref, and Chapman was the boring ref to take action. He referred to as 20 complete fouls, gave a card to every group, and usually acquired out of the way in which and let the crummy pitch do many of the soiled work.

One factor I favored: The yellow for Vargas was deserved, as was the late Paul Arriola model.

One factor I didn’t like: Chapman’s calls appeared to usually come very late. A number of instances a foul occurred and with out apparent benefit there was a delay because the groups (and followers) tried to determine whether or not to play on or not.

Going ahead: A crummy subject and drained legs may have led to a way more contentious match; nevertheless, the Sounders left their struggle in Seattle, permitting Chapman a straightforward job.

Jesús Ferreira was held largely in examine within the first half, however issues modified because the match wore on. A forty third minute decoy run created FC Dallas’ greatest likelihood of the primary half. Ferreira adopted that up with the sixty fifth minute opener, completed coolly after Paul Arriola’s intelligent dummy. He in all probability ought to have had a second within the 69th after one in every of many slips by a Sounder — this time, Nouhou.

Subsequent up: The primary dwelling match since profitable the Champions League. It’s gonna be wild. (Additionally, bonus Open Cup midweek.)