Sounders-FC Dallas Preview

Following the most successful regular season in their six-year history, the Seattle Sounders approach the playoffs feeling more confident than pressured.

The visiting Sounders begin their postseason quest Sunday night against FC Dallas in the first of a two-leg Western Conference semifinal.

Seattle has a chance to become the first team in league history to win the U.S. Open Cup, the Supporters' Shield (most regular season points) and MLS Cup in the same year. Though only two of the last 11 Shield winners went on to win the league title, the Sounders believe their regular-season success plays to their advantage in the playoffs.

"I think winning the Supporters' Shield takes a little bit of pressure off your shoulders," captain Brad Evans told the Sounders' official website. "We go in a little bit more relaxed knowing that we've done a phenomenal job this year and it's nothing we haven't seen before. So there's no reason to come in and play nervous or do anything out of the ordinary."

The Sounders have every reason to feel positive after setting club records with 64 points, 65 goals and 20 victories - most in the league since 1999. Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey were among the league's top scorers with 17 and 15 goals, respectively.

"We're confident if we play our game we'll come out with the result that we need," coach Sigi Schmid said. "It's the playoffs, all bets are off. We just have to go out there and play. We just have to pay attention to our game."

Seattle, which took two of three from FC Dallas during the regular season, is eager to avenge a 3-1 road loss Sept. 24 in the most recent meeting.

"That left a sour taste in their mouth," Schmid said. "I know they weren't happy with the game we played in Dallas the last time so I know that's going to make it easier to motivate our team."

Dempsey and Lamar Neagle each had two goals against Dallas this season. Martins added two assists in a 2-1 victory in the only meeting at Seattle on May 7.

Michel scored two of his nine goals and added an assist versus Seattle in 2014.

The Brazilian defender scored the tiebreaking goal on a penalty kick in the 84th minute of Dallas' 2-1 victory over Vancouver in Wednesday's knockout round. Dallas was awarded the kick after Whitecaps defender Kendall Waston was called for a controversial handball inside the penalty area.

Banged-up FCD midfielder Mauro Diaz started for the second time in his last 10 matches Wednesday, setting up rookie Tesho Akindele's goal in the 40th minute.

"He is a great passer of the ball," Akindele told MLS' official website. "You give him the ball under pressure, he's always going to hold it, and he's always going to find whoever is in the most open space. Having him on the field for us is huge. He's just the perfect link player on our team."

Meeting for the first time in the postseason, the teams play the second leg Nov. 10 at Seattle.