FC Dallas wins 2-0 as Sounders lose 4th straight

  • McClatchy News Services
  • Saturday, October 19, 2013 5:57pm
  • SportsSports

FRISCO, Texas — The Seattle Sounders failed to win for the sixth straight game Saturday, this time falling 2-0 at FC Dallas.

And while the result cost them another chance to clinch a spot in the MLS playoffs, those postseason hopes survive.

“Every team has its ups and downs,” forward Clint Dempsey said. “You’ve just got to keep fighting and keep grinding. The stronger you are, the farther you’ll go. Hopefully, we can turn things around, get the right result in the final game and make the playoffs. It takes one game to be back on track. It takes one game to make a big mistake and fall off. It doesn’t take much in this game for things to go up and down.”

The latest loss at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, handed the Sounders their first four-game losing streak in club history, and also the first in Sigi Schmid’s 14 seasons as an MLS coach.

Other negative milestones tagged along: Seattle (15-12-6) finished 5-10-2 on the road. The Sounders also haven’t won anywhere since Sept. 13, haven’t lead since Sept. 29, and they haven’t scored since Oct. 9.

Despite all that, Seattle remains in a three-way tie for third place in the Western Conference along with Los Angeles and Colorado, and can clinch a spot today if San Jose loses or ties at Los Angeles.

On Saturday, Seattle got off to an encouraging start as Brad Evans and DeAndre Yedlin both put shots on goal in the early minutes, Dempsey make a run into the box and Lamar Neagle sent an attempt just over the crossbar.

Seattle also started the second half with chances as Evans put a volley over the bar and Neagle sent a bicycle kick wide, both from inside the area.

Those squandered chances — and more yet to come — came back to haunt them as Dallas (11-11-11) converted a couple of its chances.

The first came in the 65th minute, following a free kick conceded by Leo Gonzalez. Michel sent his kick a few yards in front of the Seattle goal where Matt Hedges headed it past goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

Seattle had a chance to respond almost immediately, as Dempsey slipped a pass to Evans, who rolled his shot just wide. A few minutes later, David Estrada put a header on goal, but it was cleared away by Hedges. A couple of minutes after that, Dempsey snuck a free kick through the Dallas wall, but it went just wide of the post.

The Hoops ended the suspense in the 87th minute, when Michel tapped in the rebound after a deflected shot by David Ferreira.

The Sounders once again played without key personnel, as goals leader Eddie Johnson and designated player Obafemi Martins were out with injuries, MLS Best XI midfielder Osvaldo Alonso was out due to red-card suspension, and former No. 1 goalkeeper Michael Gspurning was benched for the second consecutive game by coach’s decision.

“It rests on my shoulders that we haven’t been able to come up with combinations that work for us,” Schmid said. “We’ve had some chances but haven’t been able to convert those chances. Guys are trying. They’re fighting and battling. The combinations on the field just haven’t been able to produce the goals that we wanted and needed at this point. The guys are obviously disappointed. Sometimes maybe the pass is off a little bit, at the wrong time, the wrong place. Right now we seem to be pressing a little bit, and that’s my responsibility.”

The Sounders will conclude their regular season at 6 p.m. next Sunday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy visit CenturyLink Field. Regardless of other results, Seattle can punch its own ticket to the playoffs by winning that one.

“Maybe next week is the perfect storm,” Evans said. “Maybe it happens next Sunday, and we get everybody healthy, get the result we need and we take off in the playoffs.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.