Nicolas Lodeiro, Nelson Valdez and Jordan Morris will rightfully get most of the recognition from the Seattle Sounders’ convincing 3-0 win over FC Dallas in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday. But lost in the Sounders’ explosive offensive showing was one of the most impressive performances all season from Osvaldo Alonso.
Seattle’s acting captain started at defensive midfield alongside Cristian Roldan and bossed the middle of the park in ways few players in Major League Soccer have done. In the first half, Alonso completed 45 of 46 passes including a 95 percent clip in FC Dallas’ side of the field.