Both sides fielded reduced sides. Both sides waited until the second half to deploy their best offensive player. One side waited too long. FC Dallas and Schellas Hyndman didn't give Brek Shea the opportunity to get marked out of the game until they were already down two goals - two Fredy Montero goals, both nominally on crosses.
The Seattle Sounders FC tie their franchise record with five straight wins. That's 15 points in their last five. Three straight shutouts. Montero now has 3 goals on the year. Zach Scott collects another scalp. This wasn't just victory. It was a victory that Osvaldo Alonso a full day off. Mauro Rosales and Montero each only played a half.
The first half was ugly. Seattle isn't comfortable with two box-to-box midfielders. Fabian Castillo's speed against Seattle showed potential, but he was unable to get pointed towards goal. Seattle settled into long balls towards the middle and Eddie Johnson.
In the second half things changed. Seattle pushed it wide, sometimes moving a forward out, others using speed sub Cordell Cato. That forced a wider backline from Dallas and gave the Sounders an opportunity. Montero took that opportunity and converted. He used a bit of footwork on his first and laid out for a low header/facer for the second.
It was a rare game. Seattle was out played in many facets. The strength of the lineup was probably a bit too reduced. The green had fewer shots, worse passing, worse duels, worse possession - better score. Considering that Rosales started while injured and Montero played this wasn't a pure attempt at a road draw with a low score. Schmid got the victory.
They won't get many like this though. But these are now three points banked against a Western Conference opponent. Seattle is pacing for more than 80 points and less than a dozen goals against. They won't be that good. How good will they be?
So good they're ...