Dempsey strike lifts Seattle
Clint Dempsey's solitary strike was enough to move Seattle Sounders into the top three of the MLS Western Conference as they capitalised on Los Angeles Galaxy's failure to beat New York Red Bulls on Sunday.
The former Tottenham and Fulham midfielder struck 13 minutes from time against Portland Timbers to hand Seattle their second win on the trot and they are now three points off the Vancouver Whitecaps at the top and a point behind FC Dallas in second.
Seattle's climb up the standings looked unlikely when Bradford Jamieson nudged the Galaxy into a ninth minute lead against New York, but Felipe Martins ensured a share of the spoils for the Big Apple outfit in the 58th minute.
Los Angeles are fourth in the conference, having a played a game more than Seattle, and sit a point behind Sigi Schmid's side.
Elsewhere Toronto snapped a four-game losing streak by beating Orlando City 2-0, courtesy of a brace from former Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore.