The first leg is in the books and Western Conference No. 1 seed is on the ropes as a surging Seattle Sounders team drew first blood in this high profile series. FC Dallas gave up a late goal and needs to rebound quickly to advance. 

Here are my thoughts on Seattle’s 2-1 win on the road:

Surging Seattle should only improve

This was always going to be the hardest game for Seattle, coming just three days after knocking out their long-time nemesis, the Los Angeles Galaxy. Due to injuries and key players over 30, battling through fatigue was going to be a key obstacle.

Clint Dempsey’s stunning free kick was the kind of moment Seattle envisioned when management made the decision to sign the U.S. international to a huge deal. He delivered when the Sounders needed him and that might be a goal that carries Seattle far into the MLS playoffs.

Now, Seattle will get a week’s rest before going on the road against Dallas. The veterans should be able to handle a high-pressure game in a hostile environment. The news only gets better for the Sounders. Marco Pappa started the first leg but had missed time due injury recently. He should only be stronger in the second leg. In addition, Osvaldo Alonso has missed both playoff games but he could return for the second leg. Brad Evans also missed the game and could possibly return as well.

The youth of FC Dallas was exposed

The most disappointing factor for FC Dallas was how easily its midfield was outplayed in the game. There were far too many turnovers and ineffective passing. Tesho Akindele had a very poor game and the fact that head coach Oscar Pareja only made one substitution hurt his team’s ability to respond when Seattle as it raised its game in the second half. Overall, it just seemed that Seattle had far more tools at its disposal than Dallas.

Like Seattle, Dallas was also dealing with injuries. Blas Perez is not completely in form and injured Kellyn Acosta was not able to play. The problem is that Dallas was not able to adjust and Seattle was.

Strong start in second leg a priority for both teams

The first goal is going to be enormous in next weekend's match. If Dallas can strike first, it will move in front via the away goals rule. On the other hand, a Seattle goal will give it a two-goal edge while evening the away goals.

If the game drags on at 0-0, it will favor Seattle who is probably more equipped to frustrate a young Dallas team and play to a draw.

The general outlook is that Seattle succeed and should be considered the favorite to advance. If Evans and Alonso return and are at 100 percent, the Sounders indeed are strong contenders to win its first MLS Cup.