Seattle Sounders FC travels to Texas to meet FC Dallas to open MLS playoffs

The first two of Seattle’s three regular-season matches against FC Dallas showed the qualities that helped lead the Sounders to the Supporters’ Shield.

In early April, Seattle clawed out of a 2-1 hole to earn a 3-2 victory, Clint Dempsey netting the winner with five minutes to go. In May, Kenny Cooper’s go-ahead goal in a 2-1 win didn’t come until the 88th minute.

Both were “tremendous shows of character and fight,” Sounders midfielder Brad Evans said.

The last time these two teams met, though, Dallas exposed some of Seattle’s flaws – susceptibility to the counterattack, for one, and momentary defensive lapses – and Seattle lost that September match, 3-1.

The teams meet again in Frisco, Texas, today at 6 p.m. PST in the first leg of the Western Conference semifinals.

And whether the Sounders’ good outweighs the Sounders’ bad could come down to which side controls the wings.

Dallas attacker Fabian Castillo was nursing an injury and missed that September meeting, but Andres Escobar thrived in his absence. Both will be available tonight.

The Sounders can attack from out wide themselves. Lamar Neagle and Marco Pappa have combined for 15 goals and 14 assists this season.