Seattle Sounders Brace for Shorthanded Dallas FC Squad

The Seattle Sounders FC will look for their fifth consecutive victory when they face Dallas FC on May 9. With a 6-1-1 record, the Sounders made history with their May 5 win against the Philadelphia Union, propelling the team to their best start in franchise history. They just might get to make some more history on Wednesday, considering the fact a win would tie their franchise high for consecutive wins.

Under normal circumstances, defeating Dallas in Texas is no easy task. But the Sounders will be facing a shorthanded Dallas squad. Daniel Hernandez and Blas Perez both received red cards in Dallas' last match against the Colorado Rapids, which means they'll be forced to sit out the encounter against the Sounders.

The Sounders' defense has been the biggest contributing factor to their success this season, and Seattle soccer fans can expect more of the same on May 9. However, they'll be without the services of Leo Gonzalez, who got fined and suspended for a rough tackle against Union defender Sheanon Williams on May 5.

With midfielder Mauro Rosales back in the Sounders' lineup, their offense has played considerably better in their last three outings. Rosales scored the Sounders lone goal against the Union, making the most out of a Fredy Montero assist. He'll certainly create a lot of problems for Dallas' defense, and I expect him to lead the Sounders to another victory.

"I always want to play," Rosales said about his return to the Sounders' lineup. "I don't want to be out or in the bench or looking at the game from the [press box]. If can play, I will be there and ready for any game. We're going to see know in a few games how it goes."

Besides tying their franchise best record for the most consecutive victories, a win against Dallas will put the Sounders closer to the top spot on the Western Conference table, currently being shared by the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
 
Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Bryan Meredith: "Unfortunately we smacked the crossbar and the..."