FRISCO, Texas — With the new best-of-three MLS Cup Playoff format in Round 1, FC Dallas was going to have to do something unprecedented in club history to advance: Win a playoff game in Seattle.
Not that the task is impossible. Paul Arriola has pointed out Seattle isn't unbeatable.
"These guys aren't invincible," Arriola said after Game 2. "We don't treat them like that ... no matter how people see them. But, you know, we respect them. They're a great team. But I think, you know, for us in the end, we're going to go over there and know ways we can beat them."
The fact is it just hasn't been done yet. FC Dallas is 0-5-1 all-time playing playoff matches in Seattle.
Further more, FC Dallas has only won a single match in Seattle in club history: a May 2011 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Brek Shea goal. FC Dallas is 1-14-6 in 21 all-time meetings in Seattle.
The clubs tied in both regular season matches this year, home and away (1-1 in each spot).
As formidable a fortress Seattle has been, Frisco has been equally as tough for the Sounders, who also have yet to win a playoff match on the road. That streak extended to an 0-3-1 away record for Seattle after FC Dallas claimed Game 2, 3-1 on Saturday night.
Now, it all comes down to one game. Ninety minutes of soccer – and possibly penalties – if things continue the stalemate trend. Two Round 1 series games have already been decided by penalty kicks: FC Cincinnati swept New York Red Bulls with a Game 2 PK thriller, as well as a penalty shootout in Game 2 between Houston and Real Salt Lake.
Should Game 3 between FC Dallas and Seattle come down to PKs, head coach Nico Estevez said they'll be ready to go.
"It depends, you know. We had different experiences with penalties. I think the experience we had last year [against Minnesota United] was very positive. The experience we had in Leagues Cup [against Inter Miami] wasn't positive. I think that the Miami one, we didn't win, but I think we did better. For us, we must embrace the moment and put our focus on that we can do it. We don't have to be worried about anything. I think we are prepared for any scenario and we'll be ready."
Maybe it'll be lucky number 7 in Seattle where FC Dallas grabs the playoff win they've been chasing.
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