Seattle Sounders FC ready to avenge 1-0 loss to FC Dallas

The Seattle Sounders FC will have an opportunity to take the second spot in the MLS Western Conference table when they face Dallas FC on Aug. 20. Dallas currently holds the second spot in the West, leading Seattle by only a point.

Both teams successfully opened up the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League earlier on in the week, and Seattle soccer fans should be in for a treat when these two powerhouses meet.

Seattle's offense looked unstoppable against Guatemala's Comunicacion, forcing an own-goal and scoring three of its own. Dallas FC made MLS history in its last outing against Pumas, becoming the first MLS team to defeat a Mexican team on its home soil with a 1-0 victory. The Sounders will try to become the second MLS team to defeat a Mexican team at home when they face defending CONCACAF champion Monterrey on Aug. 23.

Dallas FC won the first encounter between the two teams on May 25, walking away with the 1-0 victory. Seattle's offense has made significant improvements since then, and it should be able to get a better result this time around. Both teams have played two games each in the last week, and fatigue will definitely be a factor during the game. Luckily, for the Sounders FC, Brad Evans and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado are back with the team. Evans didn't need any readjusting period in the game against Comunicacion. Evans scored the Sounders' first goal in the 35th minute, nodding the ball into the net.

"I thought they were successful," Seattle Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid told reporters about his returning players. "I thought Kennedy played well. I think it took him 10 or 15 minutes to get into the game, but after that I thought he was solid. Brad Evans shows what he helps provides us by getting that goal off the corner kick and getting an assist. I thought both of their returns were good."

Seattle will need all the help it can get from the fresh legs of Kennedy and Evans when it faces Dallas FC on Aug. 20.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Sounders FC 4, Comunicaciones 1, quotes and stats" Seattletimes.com
MLSSoccer.com, "Dallas FC vs. Seattle Sounders preview"
Player and game information from ESPN.com