Kenny Cooper scored just three minutes after coming on as a late substitute to secure a 2-1 victory for the Seattle Sounders against Dallas at CenturyLink Field.

Despite a bright start from the hosts, it was Dallas who were gifted the opportunity to take the lead in the 16th minute when Blas Perez was brought down by Brad Evans inside the box.

Michel stepped up to take responsibility from 12 yards, and he made no mistake as he beat Stefan Frei to break the deadlock.

Seattle attempted to hit back just a few minutes after falling behind, but Clint Dempsey saw a powerful long-range effort tipped to safety by Raul Fernandez.

The Sounders were left frustrated in the first half, and their struggles continued after the break as Dempsey and Marco Pappa both missed chances to level the scores.

However, Seattle finally found the goal their play deserved in the 62nd minute when Lamar Neagle arrived in the box to convert an inch-perfect cross from Obafemi Martins.

Fernandez then made two crucial saves to deny Gonzalo Pineda and Dempsey in the space of a couple of minutes.

It was Seattle who continued to pile on most of the pressure until the final whistle, and they were rewarded with the winner when Cooper tapped the ball home from close range after another assist from Martins.