Sliding Sounders fall to Dallas

FRISCO, Texas – Michel had a goal and an assist as FC Dallas beat Seattle 2-0 on Saturday, keeping the Sounders from clinching a playoff spot.

Michel, who replaced Kenny Cooper in the 58th minute, scored in the 87th minute after he tapped a shot into the right corner of the net from the top of the goalie’s box. Michel rebounded a missed shot by David Ferreira before scoring his third goal of the season.

Michel set up FC Dallas’ first goal in the 65th minute when he arched a free kick to Matt Hedges. Hedges redirected the pass with a header from about 10 yards away that bounced off the ground and into the top left corner of the net.

FC Dallas improved to 11-11-1 with its third victory in its past 20 matches.

Seattle (15-12-6) has lost four straight. The Sounders also are on a six-game winless streak in which they have failed to score more than one goal in a game.

Clint Dempsey came close to scoring in the 80th minute, but pulled a free kick just wide left of the net.

The win was Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman’s final home game. Hyndman announced Friday that he is stepping down as coach at the end of this season. He took over in June 2008.