Fredy Montero scored on a left-footed half-volley from about 20 yards in the 40th minute to give the Seattle Sounders a 1-0 lead over FC Dallas at halftime of their U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Tuesday. Montero's goal came just moments after the Sounders Designated Player just missed on a bicycle kick attempt that seemed destined for the far post.

The Sounders are trying to become the first team since 1969 to win three straight Open Cups. If they were to advance to the Open Cup finals, they would meet the Chicago Fire who beat the Richmond Kickers 2-1 earlier in the day. The Fire will be playing in their sixth Open Cup final and will be trying to tie Bethlehem Steel's record of five Open Cup titles.

Playing at Stafire Sports Complex, where the Sounders have never lost in Open Cup or Reserve League play, the Sounders have dominated the chances. Mauro Rosales missed a couple clean looks and Brad Evans had a good opportunity inside the area that he sent high. As a team, the Sounders have outshot Dallas 11-3, with four of their attempts being on goal.