Seattle Sounders have beaten FC Dallas 2-0 in the Eastern Conference thanks to a brace from substitute Fredy Montero.
The hosts had the first chance of the game when Fabian Castillo was picked out by Jair Benitez but the striker failed to hit the target from a tight angle.
It was Benitez who tested Seattle goalkeeper Bryan Meredith for the first time in the match when his powerful effort from outside the area was pushed away from goal.
Despite Dallas's early chances, Mauro Rosales could have put the visitors ahead in the 19th minute but his first effort was well saved by Kevin Hartman before striking the post with a second shot just seconds later.
As the first half progressed, Seattle started to enjoy more time in possession but Dallas had a perfect opportunity to head into half time in the lead.
Castillo produced some neat footwork on the wing before producing a cross directed at Scott Sealy but the forward's header was kept out by Meredith.
Eddie Johnson almost broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second period but the striker failed to hit the target with his free header following good work from Marc Burch.
The game finally had its first goal in the 68th minute when Montero collected a pass from Cordell Cato and fired his shot past Hartman to give Seattle the lead.
Dallas failed to respond to the opening goal and were further behind just three minutes later when Montero found space in the area to easily head home for his second of the game.
The home side introduced Brek Shea in an attempt to get themselves back in the game but the striker's wayward long range effort was the closest they came in the final stages.
