The Seattle Sounders took a major step toward advancing in the MLS Cup playoffs on Sunday, earning a 1-1 tie against FC Dallas.

Michel gave the hosts an early 1-0 lead on a well-taken penalty, but the Sounders—notorious for their second-half performances—got an equalizer from Osvaldo Alonso on a set piece and held on for the draw.

It's a huge edge for the Sounders in their quest to back up their Supporters' Shield-winning regular season, but Fox Sports' Kyle McCarthy wasn't impressed with either side:

ESPN's Taylor Twellman disagreed:

Either way, the Sounders are just a clean sheet away from booking a spot in the conference finals for the second time in the club's short history.

The first major chance came in the 18th minute. Obafemi Martins got clear behind Dallas' back four, but a tame effort was saved by Raul Fernandez.

Although the defense was bearing down on him, it was undoubtedly one that the MLS' No. 5 goal scorer would love to have back, as The Seattle Times' Matt Pentz alluded to:

After a bit of back-and-forth in the midfield, Dallas struck first thanks to a calamitous mistake by Marco Pappa. The 26-year-old Guatemalan took down Andres Escobar with a completely unnecessary challenge in the box, leading to an easy penalty call.

McCarthy shared his thoughts:

Michel calmly stepped to the spot and buried it past Stefan Frei, who had guessed correctly on the direction. MLS' Twitter feed provided a look at the goal:

Martins had another opportunity just seconds before the halftime whistle. He cut inside at the top of the box and curled a dangerous ball on target, but Fernandez made a diving save and Matt Hedges coolly cleared the deflection off the line.

But the near equalizer was a sign of things to come, as the Sounders increased the pressure to begin the second half and broke through in the 54th minute.

Seeking some redemption, Pappa crossed in a free kick that managed to find Alonso, who headed it past Fernandez at the far post:

More of an orchestrator in the midfield than a goal scorer, Alonso has just six regular-season goals in 172 career appearances with the Sounders. But the equalizer marked his third in 14 matches in the playoffs.

Sports Illustrated's Liviu Bird offered immense praise of the 28-year-old:

With Seattle more than happy to take a draw back home, chances were fewer and farther between during the final half-hour. Dallas pressed on, but as noted by Pentz, the Sounders defense, which has been shaky throughout the season, was more than up to the task:

The best of that steady stream came just before stoppage time, as the electrifying Fabian Castillo burned Leo Gonzalez and sent a screamer at goal, but Frei made a tremendous save to secure the draw.

Action next heads to Seattle, where the second leg will take place on Monday, Nov. 10.

The aggregate score may be tied, but with an away goal in hand, an impressive showing and an undoubtedly raucous crowd at CenturyLink Field behind them, the Supporters' Shield holders are unequivocally in the driver's seat.

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