For the second time in three weeks, the Sounders gave up what would have been a sure thing. At Rio Tinto two weeks ago the Rave Green gave up a stoppage time goal to Real Salt Lake. Last night, with the match in the bag and the bus warming up for Seattle’s return trip to the airport, John Yeisley of FC Dallas executed the most fantastic flop of the season.
Yeisley tried to press through a double-team in Sounder’s goal box, but after being stripped by Seattle’s defense he dove, grabbing his right calf. Yeisley’s flawless performance earned FC Dallas a PK, taken by Jeff Cunningham who pounded it past reserve keeper Terry Boss.
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FC Dallas drew first blood in the 27th minute on the first of two Dallas PKs. The Sounders struck back with a goal by Steve Zakuani just before halftime to even the score. Keller did not return to the match after halftime due to blurred vision caused by the first-half collision which resulted in the first PK against Seattle.
Ten minutes into the second half, Seattle was on the receiving end of a foul. This time Seattle was able to capitalize, pulling ahead 2-1 on a 40-yard strike by Fredy Montero that was just out of reach of the Dallas keeper.
Head Coach Sigi Schmid initially rested a few of his starters including Ljungberg and Vagenas, but replaced Montero with the Swedish veteran in the 78th minute. After earning points in seven of their last eight games, the Sounders’ next match is Sunday versus Toronto FC at BMO Field.
Reach Galen Helmgren at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
