I think the Seattle Sounders are the team to beat in Game 1 of the first round of the USL playoffs. Now the pressure is on FC Dallas to be eliminated from the playoffs if they lose this game.
The Seattle Sounders are undefeated in their last 10 matches, and have won 3 of their last 5 games on the road, so they've been on a roll lately. On the other hand, FC Dallas' last 5 home matches have all ended in draws.
The Seattle Sounders had a better performance in all aspects of the game in Game 1 of the 3 set 2 win format, with more time of possession and shots on goal than FC Dallas. I feel that their attacking play on the wings is particularly strong, with the pair of wingers, Leo Chu and Kristian Lourdain, causing a lot of problems for the opposing pair.
I expect FC Dallas to have more time on the ball, so Leo Chu and Kristian Lourdes will play an important role in the counterattack. Up front, Jordan Morris didn't have much to do in the first match, but he scored the second crucial goal for the team, so I think he'll be a regular, while another striker, Redillas, will be a back-up to make sure that he can rewrite the game.
FC Dallas will have to find a way to break down the Seattle Sounders' defense, which has been averaging less than one goal per game this season, and has managed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches.
FC Dallas failed to create too many chances to score in the first match, and Jacey Ferrana missed a one-on-one chance against the opponent's goalkeeper Stefan Fehr, which was unfortunately saved. Jecis Felana is the team's top scorer, but he has failed to score in the last 7 matches, so he has to improve his ability in front of the goal.
