WASHINGTON, Dec 2, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Seattle defender Shane O’Neill nodded
home a header in the 49th minute as the defending champion Sounders defeated
FC Dallas 1-0 on Tuesday in a Major League Soccer quarter-final.
The Sounders advanced to Monday’s Western Conference final against the
winner of Thursday’s matchup between Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota
United.
That winner will claim a berth in the December 12 MLS Cup final against
Sunday’s Eastern Conference final winner — either the New England Revolution
or Columbus Crew.
After a scoreless first half, the Sounders struck quickly in the second off
a corner kick by Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro.
The ball dropped into the heart of the penalty area and O’Neill, a 27-year-
old Irishman, leaped high to deflect the ball inside the far post and give
Seattle the lead.
It was O’Neill’s first MLS goal since 2014 and first playoff marker.
The Sounders, seeking a third title and fourth trip to the final in five
seasons, silenced Dallas from there to complete the 10th playoff shutout for
Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei of Switzerland.