Outside of MLS Cup 2016 – which technically is counted as a draw in the rule books – the match against the Portland Timbers on April 5, 2014 was perhaps the most memorable draw in club history. It featured the biggest rivals in the league, a dizzying display of goals and a hero who stepped up to the occasion.
Just three minutes into the match, Seattle’s Kenny Cooper put one past former Sounder Andrew Weber for the early 1-0 lead at Providence Park. By the 14th minute, Portland’s Diego Chara and Diego Valeri each added a goal of their own, as the hosts gained the 2-1 advantage.
In the 24th minute, Clint Dempsey scored his first goal of the afternoon to level the score at two apiece. It was just a preview of what was yet to come.
Chara added his second goal in the 55th minute, then Portland’s Maximiliano Urruti extended the lead to 4-2 just two minutes later. Down by two goals in Portland with just 30 minutes remaining? All hope seemed to be lost.
Enter: Deuce Almighty.
Dempsey combined with Obafemi Martins and Lamar Neagle for a goal in the 85th minute. Moments later, DeAndre Yedlin drew a foul in the area and Dempsey knocked home the equalizing penalty.
Final: 4-4.
The Sounders left Providence Park with a point in front of a shocked home crowd, and Dempsey had just recorded the club’s fifth hat trick. He also helped the Sounders earn a point on a two-goal deficit for the first time in club history.
