Sounders earn PK win over Dynamo in playoff opener

Seattle advances to Western Conference semifinals

Will Bruin's penalty kick lifts Sounders to 1-0 road victory

The Seattle Sounders took a big step toward the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday, earning a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo in the first leg of their playoff series.

The lone goal of the match came in the 72nd minute, when Will Bruin converted a penalty kick after Houston's Maynor Figueroa was called for a handball in the box.

The win gives the Sounders a valuable away goal and a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of the series, which will be played in Seattle on Thursday.

The Sounders controlled the majority of the possession and chances in the match, but they were unable to break through the Dynamo's defense until Bruin's penalty.

The Dynamo had a few chances to equalize in the second half, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

The Sounders will now host the Dynamo in the second leg of the series on Thursday at Lumen Field. A win or a draw will be enough to send the Sounders to the Western Conference semifinals.