Sounders offense reverts to old ways in scoreless draw with FC Dallas

There wasn’t an encore.

Not that a five-goal match is easy to follow.

A week after hanging five on CF Montreal at home, the Sounders reverted to creating chances and not getting one to nestle in the back of the net on the road against FC Dallas.

Seattle did have a strong defensive showing to collect a clean sheet with a 0-0 draw Saturday. The Sounders (1-3-3) haven’t won at Toyota Stadium since 2021.

Sounders keeper Stefan Frei made his 300^th regular-season appearance. He used some finger-wagging to get the defense in line for a few tense moments created by Dallas (1-4-2). A second-half barrage from forward Petar Musa (49^th minute), midfielder Paul Arriola (53^rd) and Sebastian Lletget (53^rd) should’ve led to at least one goal — the latter headed down an attempt inches wide of goal and Musa’s shot was saved by Frei.

Frei had two saves overall.

The setting was rare for the Sounders. Their trips to Dallas are usually amid oppressive heat or thunderstorms. A pristine field and inviting 75 degrees awaited Seattle on Saturday.

An active Raul Ruidiaz kept the Sounders dangerous in the attack. The reigning MLS player of the week helped set up midfielder Albert Rusnak in the 27^th minute that went wide left. Seconds later, Ruidiaz had a shot from distance that Dallas keeper Maarten Paes easily saved.

Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan had a chance in the 41^st minute go wide left. He released a scream to the skies, knowing it should’ve been the game’s opening goal.

The sides were able to utilize game-changing players who’ve been limited to open the season due to injuries. Sounders midfielder Joao Paulo subbed on in the 65^th minute for Josh Atencio. The Brazilian is managing a hip injury, playing 11 minutes in his season debut last week.

Dallas midfielder Asier Illarramendi (adductor) subbed on in the 69^th minute. The Spaniard missed the past four matches.

But neither could help break open the match.

Seattle returns to Lumen Field for a matchup against the Vancouver Whitecaps (4-1-1) next week. The Cascadia rival leads the Western Conference table.