MLS Regular Season
Score: Sounders FC 2 vs. Toronto FC 1
Goal-scorers: Obafemi Martins (6’), Eriq Zavaleta (59’), Clint Dempsey (77’)
Site: CenturyLink Field
Man of the Match: In his return to the pitch after missing four games due to injury, Clint Dempsey was instrumental in Sounders FC picking up three points at home. The All-Star forward set up Obafemi Martins’ early goal and scored the late game-winner when it seemed as if the two teams were destined to draw. After Saturday’s win, the Sounders improve to 10-3-1 when Dempsey starts and 8-2-0 when he records either a goal or an assist.
Telling Stat: Since Martins returned to the lineup on August 16, Sounders FC has won three straight home matches, and Martins has scored four goals during the stretch. With Martins’ help, the Sounders have won consecutive matches for the first time in over three months.
What You Missed: Seattle’s three Designated Player forwards were on the pitch together for the first time Saturday night. Dempsey and Martins started the night up front and Nelson Valdez joined the two, subbing in on the left wing in the 61st minute. When Dempsey exited the match with nine minutes remaining, Valdez moved up top alongside Martins.
Head Coach Sigi Schmid missed Saturday’s match due to a health-related issue, and Top Assistant Coach Brian Schmetzer assumed his duties for the second time this season. Schmid is expected to return to the club next week to resume his regular duties.
So What: Sounders FC’s record is back to .500 (13-13-2), and the club is now tied for third place in the Western Conference with a half-dozen games to go. The Rave Green’s final six matches are all against teams from the West, starting with next Saturday’s clash with the San Jose Earthquakes. After picking up a yellow card on Saturday, Osvaldo Alonso will miss next weekend’s match due to yellow-card accumulation.
