Afterburn Soccer Show: FC Dallas Keeps Their MLS Cup Dreams Alive
With a 3-1 home win, FC Dallas gives themselves another opportunity in Seattle to do something special and advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
We go live at 8 PM CST to catch up on the latest FC Dallas news.
FC Dallas kept their MLS Cup hopes alive with a solid victory over the Seattle Sounders at home. Bernard Kamungo was the instigator of the opening two goals, first a perfect assist to an attacking Paul Arriola and a deserved earned penalty kick. Jesus Ferreira scored for the first time in a while, and a late beauty from Jader Obrian capped off the performance.
Was it a perfect performance? No. Seattle showed why they are the favorites to advance because even with a sliver of space, they can make any team pay. For stretches in the second half, the Sounders repeatedly put Dallas under pressure in their own half. There were plenty of nervy moments.
In the end, though, Dallas went their bend not break route and kept Seattle to just the single goal. Their season continues. Anything is possible on Friday.
Here are a few takeaways:
Bernard Kamungo is really special. Yes, even for those of us watching him emerge with North Texas Soccer Club, we didn’t necessarily see these big game moments in his future. Bernard is well ahead of schedule in his development, and if he can make an impact on Friday, the sky is the limit. But let’s temper ourselves - the kid is young. He has a lot to learn, and at the very least, his emergence gives FC Dallas fans a lot of hope for 2024.
Jesus needed that goal. Maybe he can play with a little more freedom now that he got on the score sheet again.
Liam Fraser is a good signing for FC Dallas. In his short time with the team, he has earned a lot of trust from his head coach. To step in to a high pressure situation and play well gives us confidence looking to next season, regardless of what happens with Quignon and Illaramendi.
It’s fun to see Jader Obrian and Paul Arriola score too, as this team is going to have to find some creative ways to break down Seattle if they are going to battle for a draw or steal a big win.
One more thing - credit to Ema Twumasi for really putting some uneven form behind him and playing lights out. Sam Junqua also showed well in a big start.
It’s hard to know what to expect on Friday. Sports fans are eternally optimistic. There is a chance that Dallas makes this thing exciting, but it’s also easy to see Seattle pulling a repeat performance from the week before.
But at least there’s a chance.
I love that this team is showing its Big Game ability. Let’s see more of it this week.