FC Dallas 2, Seattle Sounders 1 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Late-season signing Carlos Ruiz played the hero for FC Dallas, as a late goal from the MLS legend gave Dallas a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders at Toyota Stadium, putting them in pole position for the Supporters' Shield with one game to play.

Dallas now have 59 points, two more than the Colorado Rapids, who lost to the Portland Timbers on Sunday night. 

Nicolas Lodeiro broke the draw late in the first half with a stunning free-kick goal. Maxi Urruti's goal in the 79th minute, following a chaotic free kick scenario, helped deny the visiting Sounders a playoff spot they could only claim with a victory.

Ruiz's dramatic touch, just before the end of regulation in his first appearance of 2016, pushed Dallas to the top of the league table. 

Box Score

• 41’ – SEA – Nicolas Lodeiro
• 79’ – DAL -- Maximiliano Urruti  
• 89’ – DAL -- Carlos Ruiz (Mauro Díaz, Carlos Gruezo) 
• Full Box Score
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Three Things

1. 89 AND COUNTING: The legend of Carlos Ruiz grows. After recently signing on with FC Dallas, the 37-year-old ageless wonder was at it again on Sunday night, lobbing home a brilliant opportunity that might well be the biggest moment of FC Dallas’ season if they end up securing the Supporters’ Shield next week.
   
   The goal was the 89th in Ruiz’s regular-season career in MLS, which started back in 2002 with the LA Galaxy and has now spanned 183 regular-season appearances.
   
   How will Ruiz impress us next?
2. ONE MORE SHOT IN SEATTLE: Emerald City supporters will have to another week to be assured that their favorite MLS club will be in the mix during the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.
   
   After what looked to be a fantastic effort for just about 80 minutes, the Sounders now need three points next week to officially punch their postseason ticket.
   
   There are scenarios where Seattle could even make the playoffs without a victory; however, they will certainly not want to risk leaving things to chance and should go full throttle next Sunday at CenturyLink field against an RSL side who is also in the Western Conference playoff mix.
3. IN THEIR OWN HANDS : FC Dallas now control their own destiny thanks not only to their come-from-behind victory over Seattle on Sunday evening but also in large part due to a favorable result in Portland that saw the Timbers drop Colorado in a 1-0 home victory at Providence Park.
   
   Now all that stands between Dallas and the MLS Regular Season top prize is a date with the LA Galaxy next Sunday at the StubHub Center.
   
   Can Dallas cap off a phenomenal 2016 in style?

Next Up 

• DAL: 2016/17 CONCACAF Champions League - Thursday, October 20 at CD Suchitepequez (9pm ET)
• SEA: Sunday, October 23 vs. Real Salt Lake (8:00pm ET | MLS LIVE)