Brazil midfielder Oscar signs extended long-term deal at Chelsea

Brazil midfielder Oscar signs extended long-term deal at Chelsea

Oscar has signed a new contract with runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea.


The Brazilian international will now remain at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2019.

The 23-year-old midfielder has made 15 appearances this season in all competitions, scoring four goals for the Blues who are currently unbeaten and four points clear at the top of the Premier League table .

Oscar told the club's website: ‘I am so happy because I love playing for Chelsea and living in England. I have enjoyed playing here for two years, and now I have five more, so I am very happy.’

The Brazilian joined Chelsea from Internacional in the summer of 2012 and has been a vital member of the first-team since, scoring 11 goals last season.

The second of two goals he scored on his first start for the club, in a Champions League game against Juventus, earned him the club's Goal of the Season award, and he ended his first season as a Chelsea player with a Europa League winners' medal.

Oscar has also amassed 40 caps for Brazil since making his debut against Argentina in 2011 and has scored 11 times, including the only goal in the 7-1 humbling by Germany in last summer's World Cup semi-final.

Marcelo é o defesa que mais bolas recupera na Liga

Regista 55 nos oito jogos que jogou no campeonato.

Marcelo está a solidificar grandes actuações neste início de temporada. O lateral destaca-se não só pelas incursões ofensivas, mas também pelo trabalho atrás. O brasileiro é o defesa da Liga que mais bolas recupera, com um total de 55. Supera por três o seu companheiro da defensiva madridista Sergio Ramos e por cinco o azulgrana Mathieu.

No arranque da sua nona temporada no Real Madrid, Marcelo disputou oito das nove primeiras jornadas. Falhou apenas o dérbi frente ao Atlético. Para além da colaboração nas tarefas defensivas, já fez duas assistências para golo no que leva de campeonato; uma a Cristiano e outra a Bale. 

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he tried to sign Steven Gerrard while at Milan

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he tried to sign Steven Gerrard while at Milan

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he tried to sign Steven Gerrard while boss at AC Milan but his bond with Liverpool was ‘unbreakable’.


Ancelotti managed Milan from 2001-2009, leading the Italian side to two UEFA Champions League titles among a host of honours.

He admits he would have loved to have paired Gerrard with Italian playmaker Andrea Pirlo but the Liverpool skipper could not be persuaded to leave Anfield and head to the San Siro.


Ancelotti told The Sun: “Gerrard’s a leader. A great player, the most important figure that Liverpool have. He is the Paolo Maldini of Liverpool.

“He’s one of the players I would have loved to have coached. And I thought about him so many times in the past when I was at Milan.

“But it was impossible because he was very much linked with Liverpool. We had sounded him out but Gerrard’s bond with Liverpool was unbreakable.

“I don’t remember exactly what year it was but we did try. Of course, I wanted to pair him up with Pirlo, it was a fantastic combination. Putting Gerrard in midfield with Pirlo, it would have been fantastic.”

Balotelli desire

The Real Madrid boss also admits he thought about signing current Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli while he was boss at Paris Saint-Germain but he decided upon Zlatan Ibrahimovic instead.

He added: “I never coached Balotelli. I never had the chance to sign him when I was at Milan.

“The only time we thought of Balotelli was when I was at Paris Saint-Germain because he’d played a great Euro 2012. He scored twice against Germany.

“But then it came out we could get Ibrahimovic so we went for Ibrahimovic. But Balotelli is a player I like.

“It was only a question of preferring Ibrahimovic.”

Magpies loan for Petrasso

Magpies loan for Petrasso

Notts County have signed winger Michael Petrasso on a three-month loan from Premier League side QPR.


The 19-year-old, who has enjoyed loan spells at Oldham, Coventry and Leyton Orient, should be in the Magpies squad for Saturday's clash with Crawley.

Petrasso is known to former Rs midfielder and Notts manager Shaun Derry, while he also impressed for Orient against County last season.

Xherdan Shaqiri knows future calls rest with Bayern Munich

Xherdan Shaqiri knows future calls rest with Bayern Munich

By Thomas Zocher



Xherdan Shaqiri says his future will be addressed again in January, but is happy to let Bayern Munich decide his fate.


The Switzerland international continues to be heavily linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena in the winter transfer window.

A move to England has been mooted in the past, with Liverpool among those credited with holding an interest in the talented 23-year-old playmaker.


Shaqiri has hinted previously that he may have to leave the reigning Bundesliga champions in order to get regular game time.

He was, however, blocked from exploring options over the summer and is prepared to let Bayern make another call on where he fits into their plans.

Shaqiri, who is under contract until 2013, told Neue Zuricher Zeitung: “I was looking for more first team action this season, everyone knows that.

“We had a sit down and discussed things with Bayern Munich. I received a clear message: I have to stay. I accepted that.

“We will have a look at things again in the winter. We will have to figure things out.

“I have a long-term deal at Bayern Munich so it is the club that will decide.

“If the club does not want to sell me or let me go, then that is positive news for me.”

Chelsea goalkeeper Marie Hourihan feels FAWSL is in their grasp

Chelsea goalkeeper Marie Hourihan feels FAWSL is in their grasp

By Dev Trehan


Goalkeeper Marie Hourihan admits Chelsea Ladies will only have themselves to blame if they let the FA Women’s Super League title slip from their grasp.


Chelsea are a point ahead of defending champions Liverpool and two clear of Birmingham and play already-relegated Everton at home on Sunday.

The league leaders boast an unbeaten record at home this season and Hourihan insists they have the players at their disposal to maintain that record.

“It’s in our hands and that is all that anybody wants, so at the end of the day if we don’t win this league we’ve only got ourselves to blame,” Hourihan told Sky Sports.

“From that point of view we know what we’ve got to do. We know if we win both of our games then we win the league. It’s as simple as that really,

“What’s been so refreshing about this season is that you cannot predict the results in this league. We’re unbeaten at home and we’ve just got to use that to our advantage going into this game.

“It’s a bit of a cliché but we’re just taking it one game at a time because every game in this league is so tight. Everybody will be expecting us to win against Everton but we only beat them 2-1 at their place so we know, like every other game, it’s going to be a battle.

“Equally we know we have the players. If we put a performance in we should get the result that we need and it’s up to us to put that performance in.”

Hourihan was part Birmingham’s squad that finished runners-up to Arsenal in 2011 and 2012, but the 27-year-old admits she has never experienced a title race as close as this one.

“I’ve been involved in title run-ins before when I was at Birmingham but there are three teams involved in this one whereas it was just Arsenal that we were up against last time,” she said.

“I’ve never been in the scenario where going into the last two games it’s so tight. We’re unbeaten at home all season and we want to finish that off with a good win and a good result and hopefully pile the pressure on everyone else and see what they can do.

“Hopefully we can finish it off at home or else it will go into the final game.”

Hourihan added: “When I look round the dressing room I see seasoned internationals. If you are in a difficult moment you know there are enough characters in our team to pull us round.

“Equally looking at Liverpool they won the league last year and they know what it takes. Having been at Birmingham I know the character that they have got in their team and they have got that tenacity, that fight and that spirit.”

Everton's Bryan Oviedo out of Costa Rica squad

Everton's Bryan Oviedo out of Costa Rica squad

Everton midfielder Bryan Oviedo has pulled out of Costa Rica's friendlies against Oman and South Korea.


The Toffees have confirmed the 24-year-old is to remain on Merseyside to undergo a routine procedure to remove a small screw in his left leg which was inserted after an horrific break in January.

Oviedo made his competitive comeback with an hour-long appearance in the Capital One Cup defeat at Swansea last month and came on for the last 26 minutes of Sunday's loss against Manchester United - his first league appearance since January 20.

While Oviedo has returned to fitness other injuries are starting to pile up for manager Roberto Martinez.

John Stones was carried off on a stretcher at the weekend with suspected ankle ligament damage and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month while fellow defender Seamus Coleman has not played since mid-October because of a hamstring problem and, although he was named in the Republic of Ireland's squad to face Gibraltar in a Euro 2016 qualifier, he is unlikely to feature.

Forward Kevin Mirallas also has a hamstring strain which will keep him out until next month while midfielder James McCarthy will use the international break, having been left out of the Republic's squad, to recover from a thigh problem.

England midfielder Ross Barkley is progressing well after a knee operation but will not return until next month.

Steven Fletcher could start for Scotland

Steven Fletcher could start for Scotland

Mark McGhee says Steven Fletcher’s return to form at Sunderland means he could start for Scotland against Georgia.


The Sunderland striker scored two goals against Stoke last time out to end a goal drought stretching back to December 2013.

Fletcher did not even make the bench for his side’s home draw with Tottenham in September but now finds himself firmly back in the fold at the Stadium of Light.

McGhee believes the former Hibernian frontman's return to form is perfectly timed as Scotland shape up for their second Euro 2016 qualifier at Ibrox.

The Scotland assistant manager said that Gordon Strachan will to look to include players who are hitting top form at club level.

"If we'd had a game three weeks ago when Stevie wasn't even in the Sunderland squad, then you imagine that he would have come here with a totally different outlook," said McGhee.

"But now he has arrived feeling great about himself. Could that sway minds in terms of selection? Absolutely.

"Gordon will consider all sorts of criteria when picking his team but how a player is doing at any particular time is vital to that."

Steven Naismith was chosen to lead the line for Scotland against Germany and has been in impressive form for Everton.

McGhee added that Naismith will almost certainly start but he would be happy to see him and Fletcher form a two-pronged attack.

"Naismith has shown a flexibility with the way he has been playing for Everton that makes that an option.

"He's been playing up front with Romelu Lukaku just off him, or Lukaku up front with Stevie off him, or even playing out to the side.

"He can play just about anywhere in that forward area and his form is so good it is difficult to ignore him."

With Allan McGregor ruled out with a shoulder injury, David Marshall looks set to continue in goal against Temuri Ketsbaia's Georgians.

Burnley's Matt Gilks was called in to provide back-up but there have been increased calls for Craig Gordon to be handed his cap return after the Celtic stopper produced heroics in the Hoops' Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb last
week.

But McGhee said: "I would be confident that if we put all four names in a bag and pulled one out we would be okay, because they can all do the job."

Youngsters Stevie May and Ryan Gauld are the only new faces to have booked into the team's Renfrewshire hotel.

And the coaches were keen to stress the Sheffield Wednesday striker and Sporting Lisbon playmaker were not just there to make up the numbers.

"We haven't told them that they are just here so we can have a look at them, so just tuck in behind the rest," said McGhee, who also confirmed the squad was at full strength.

Franz Beckenbauer wants FIFA to publish Michael Garcia's report into World Cup bidding process

Franz Beckenbauer wants FIFA to publish Michael Garcia's report into World Cup bidding process

Former FIFA member Franz Beckenbauer has called for a report into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process to be published, saying: "I have nothing to hide".


FIFA's chief ethics investigator Michael Garcia was tasked with investigating allegations of corruption and has delivered his final report, but the organisation's president Sepp Blatter last month rejected calls to make the findings public.

Garcia, FA chief Greg Dyke and UEFA president Michel Platini have all called for its publication, and it is now the job of FIFA's top ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert to rule whether any individuals are guilty of wrongdoing.

Beckenbauer - a FIFA member in 2010 when Russia and Qatar were chosen as hosts - initially refused to co-operate with Garcia, claiming his request to be interviewed in German was turned down.

But he later agreed to be questioned, and the World Cup-winning player and manager stands by what he told the investigator - that he was never offered an incentive to vote one way or another.

He said: "I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be published, but that's a decision for FIFA. But personally there is nothing to hide, and if you have nothing to hide then you can publish and divulge it.

"A lot of things have happened over the past few years, all the suspected sleaze. These are accusations, there is no evidence to my knowledge."

Asked directly whether he had been offered a bribe he said: "That's a clear no. How shall I say this? Nobody approached me directly, nobody offered me anything in order to influence my vote, no this did not happen."

He added: "It was a secret ballot and I have to observe this agreement made at the time. I was surprised too that Qatar was chosen, that was my first reaction. The bid was very good by Qatar, like all the others."

Gareth Bale hopes win over Bosnia can boost football in Wales

Gareth Bale hopes win over Bosnia can boost football in Wales

Gareth Bale hopes victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday night can be the first step towards helping football emerge as the most popular sport in Wales.


In stark contrast to their fortunes in rugby, where they have won three Six Nations Grand Slams in the last 10 years, Wales have not qualified for a major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

Bale, who was named Welsh footballer of the year for a fourth time at a Cardiff ceremony on Monday night, believes qualifying for a major championship can change the sporting landscape in Wales.

"We have massive potential and I want to make history with Wales and qualify for a major tournament," the Real Madrid winger said.

"I feel football can overtake rugby soon. I remember when I was younger the Millennium Stadium was full every time I went to watch.

"Rugby has obviously overtaken it in recent years but I feel football is on the incline and we can get a lot of fans to the games and get the support behind us.

"It's not only important for us as a team to get to a major championship, but as a nation as a whole.

"We want to inspire more kids to play football and become a better national team."

Bale and his national team-mates are stepping up their preparations for this week's home European qualifiers against Bosnia and Cyprus.

Bosnia were surprisingly defeated by Cyprus in their opening game and Bale believes Wales, who have climbed to 29th in the FIFA World Rankings, have what it takes to beat the Bosnians on Friday.

"We know they're a very good side, they showed that by getting to the World Cup and they've obviously got some good players," Bale said.

"But we believe in ourselves and hopefully we can get the victory on Friday. We've got two massive games but we just want to concentrate on Friday and not think about anything else.

"The fans can be the extra man. We haven't had too many big crowds in the past but I really feel we're on the rise now.

"As a team we're playing better and getting the right results and that shows in the rankings.

"We all firmly believe we're pushing in the right direction, and hopefully the fans will come out and support us and we can give them a good performance.

Kamil Glik and Omar El Kaddouri suspended for Torino

Kamil Glik and Omar El Kaddouri suspended for Torino

Torino will be without defender Kamil Glik and midfielder Omar El Kaddouri for their next two Serie A games after both players were handed two-match bans by the Lega Serie A.


The pair will sit out the home game against Udinese on October 19 and the encounter at Lazio a week later having been punished for insulting the referee during Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Napoli.

The news is a blow for Toro coach Giampiero Ventura, whose side have picked up just one win in their opening six games and lie 14th in the standings.

Roma, meanwhile, will not have Greek defender Kostas Manolas available for their next two league games, a home clash against Chievo and a match at Sampdoria on October 25.

Manolas was handed a two-match suspension after being sent off during Roma's 3-2 defeat at Juventus for his part in an angry confrontation with opponent Alvaro Morata.

Morata also saw red in that game after a dangerous challenge on Manolas, and the Spanish striker will serve a one-match ban when the Serie A leaders visit Sassuolo on October 18.

Jack Wilshere says Arsenal must be more ruthless if they are to challenge

Jack Wilshere says Arsenal must be more ruthless if they are to challenge

Jack Wilshere admits Arsenal need to improve in front of goal if they are to maintain a title challenge this season.


Arsene Wenger's side are nine points off league leaders Chelsea following their 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Wilshere's heavy touch denying him a clear sight of goal on a day of few opportunities for the Gunners.

"At times we controlled the game and that is the difference, at this level when you are playing against a top-class team, when you are on top you have to really make it count," said the England midfielder.

"We created a few half chances, but we never really made it count.

"You didn't really see Cesc Fabregas or Diego Costa all game and then, all of a sudden, a 50-yard ball from Cesc put it on Costa's foot and it is a great finish, and the game is over.

"We have played well, but at this level, against the top three in this league, when you are on top you need to make the opportunities count and if you don't, then you are going to get punished."

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny sees no reason why Arsenal cannot regroup and challenge again when domestic action resumes against Hull on October 18.

"We have had a tough run so far, but I would like to think that our start has been solid, not as good as we expected from ourselves, but I believe that, after the international break, we can push on and get more points," he said.

Champions Juventus will take on Coppa Italia winners Napoli in Doha

Champions Juventus will take on Coppa Italia winners Napoli in Doha

Serie A champions Juventus will take on Coppa Italia winners Napoli in the Italian SuperCup final in Doha on December 22, the Lega Serie A announced on Monday.


For the first time the tie will be staged in December and not in August while the game will be played for the seventh occasion on foreign soil.

"We are greateful for the opportunity to export our TIM Supercup in such an interesting and prestigious country as Qatar is," Lega Serie A president Maurizio Beretta said on www.legaseriea.it.

The past three Italian Supercups were played in Beijing.

Juve have lifted the trophy six times, including in each of the past two years.

Napoli have won it just once, in 1990, and more recently finished runners-up to Juve in 2012.

Shell and Pelé Inspire Future Energy Scientists With Soccer Pitch | Shell

Neil Warnock hails Steve Bruce ahead of Hull v Crystal Palace

Neil Warnock hails Steve Bruce ahead of Hull v Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock believes Hull's Steve Bruce deserved to win last season's Manager of the Season award ahead of his Eagles predecessor Tony Pulis.

After winning promotion from the Championship, Bruce steered the Tigers to a 16th-place finish in the Premier League and also led them to their first FA Cup final in which they lost to Arsenal.

He was beaten to the division's top manager prize, however, by Pulis, who rescued Palace from the bottom three and guided the Eagles to 11th in the final table.

Palace travel to Hull on Saturday and Warnock believes his opposite number should have been given more recognition for his success last term.

"I know Tony got manager of the year but I thought Steve Bruce was head and shoulders the best manager around," Warnock said.


"To make a club like Hull very comfortable in the Premier League and to get to the FA Cup final - I thought that was fantastic.

"He's done an incredible job and he's got fabulous support from his chairman too.

"I know the chairman gets criticism but there aren't many teams in the bottom half who have had as much money put in as Hull.

"He's been fantastic and they've bought some very good players."

Warnock arrived at Selhurst Park at the end of August and Palace are unbeaten in the league since he took over.


An impressive 3-2 victory at Everton was followed by a 2-0 win at home to Leicester last weekend, which sees the Eagles sitting ninth in the table.

"I've got nothing to lose and I want my players to enjoy it and not be frightened of expressing themselves in the right areas," Warnock said.

"Everyone has got strengths - I'm very lucky because you couldn't ask for more effort and commitment.

"As a Palace fan that's the minimum you require - you want your players to sweat blood and that's what they're doing.

"The fans get behind the players because they know they're trying their hardest.

"It was a difficult start to the season but since then we've worked very hard and we're getting the rewards."

Sheffiield Wednesday appoint duo to key roles at the club

Sheffiield Wednesday appoint duo to key roles at the club

Sheffield Wednesday have appointed Paul Bell as chief operating officer and John Redgate as finance director at the club.

Bell was director of commercial affairs for almost five years at Leeds United and Redgate has worked as chief financial officer at Portsmouth. 

Club chairman Milan Mandaric said: “I have always stressed the importance of introducing and working alongside genuine football people at Sheffield Wednesday.

“The additions of both Paul and John will significantly strengthen our off-field operation and I would like to personally welcome them to Hillsborough.

“I wish them every success at our club.”

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet delighted Lee Cattermole stayed at club

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet delighted Lee Cattermole stayed at club

Gus Poyet believes keeping Lee Cattermole was the best transfer decision he has made during his time as Sunderland manager.

Cattermole looked set to leave Sunderland in January after Poyet drafted in Liam Bridcutt from Brighton and Stoke made a move for the midfielder.

Poyet discussed the offer with owner Ellis Short but decided to retain the 26-year-old's services, a move he looks back on with great delight.


He told the Sunderland Echo: "In transfer windows, it's the best decision I have made, I've got no doubt about that. I'm sure, with all respect to Stoke and to Catts, he's happier here.

"His reaction to the decision was spectacular, because - and I'm not talking about Lee here - let's say we get an offer from a top-six team for a player and the offer is good, but it is possible for you to say, 'No'.

"Then you don't know what the reaction of the player will be after he has lost the chance to join a certain team.

"With everything that happened with Catts before we got here and the momentum of the team at that time in January, it was difficult, and with Liam coming in, he might have wondered how he fitted into the plan. That's only natural.

"But I spoke to the owner and he said if I did not want to sell, then I didn't have to. I made the decision and it has worked out well for everybody, I think."

Gianfranco Zola has emerged as favourite for the vacant job at Fulham

Gianfranco Zola has emerged as favourite for the vacant job at Fulham

Gianfranco Zola has emerged as a leading contender for the vacant manager’s position at Fulham, according to Sky Bet’s odds.

The former Chelsea striker,  who has been out of work since leaving Watford in December 2013, has come in from 18/1 to 6/4 since Tuesday afternoon amid an increase in betting interest.

Club owner Shahid Khan has handed a five-man panel the task of identifying the best candidates for the role, and caretaker boss Kit Symons is also believed to be in a strong position.

The Fulham U21s boss steered the club to their first win in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday and he remains the bookmakers’ favourite at 5/4, though he faces fresh competition from former West Ham boss Zola.

Former Norwich manager Chris Hughton has also been linked with the role and is 6/1 to succeed Felix Magath, who was relieved of his duties last month following seven defeats in eight league games this term.

Other candidates include former Celtic managers Neil Lennon (10/1) and Tony Mowbray (14/1), while Alan Curbishley is 16/1 to return to the Cottagers.

Sky Bet’s Dale Tempest said: “Hughton has actually been the punters’ choice and there’s more bets riding on him than any other candidate, though Symons remains our favourite.

“But the money coming on Zola this week has taken us by surprise, so we’re keeping an eye on those developments.”

Napoli boss Benitez under pressure; Mazzarri wants Inter reponse

Napoli boss Benitez under pressure; Mazzarri wants Inter reponse

Attention will be focused on Walter Mazzarri and Rafael Benitez, managers of Inter Milan and Napoli respectively, in the Europa League this week.

Mazzarri, whose side host Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag, is hoping to spark a response after his side were thrashed 4-1 at the San Siro by Cagliari in Serie A last weekend.

Inter have already made a positive start in Group F after winning 1-0 at Dnipro in their opening game.

"We just need to work, get back up again quickly, show our spirit and fight like a great team does," Mazzarri told reporters after Sunday's loss. "We have to start again and be strong for the Europa League clash on Thursday."

Ukrainian side Dnipro travel to Saint-Etienne, who opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Qarabag.

Benitez remains under pressure at Napoli after failing to qualify for the Champions League and suffering a disappointing start in Serie A.

The situation may have eased slightly after a victory over bottom side Sassuolo last weekend but Benitez, who won the Europa League with Chelsea in 2013, is still in the spotlight.

This Thursday he takes his side to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in Group I.

The match will also see Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik return to the club where he began his professional career.

Napoli already have three points to their name after beating Sparta Prague 3-1 in their opener.

Sparta now host Young Boys, who thrashed Slovan 5-0 last time out.

Holders Sevilla, who began their title defence with a 2-0 home win over Feyenoord in Group G, are in action in Croatia at HNK Rijeka.

Sevilla could look to the exploits of their rivals Real Betis for clues as to their opponents, with their neighbours having drawn twice with Rijeka in last year's competition.

Standard Liege, the other side in the group, will look to follow up their opening win as they host Feyenoord.

In Group H, German side Wolfsburg, who were thrashed 4-1 at Everton in their first game, will hope to kickstart their challenge as they host Lille. The French side have not won any of their last nine away fixtures in the competition.

In Group C Partizan Belgrade, who drew 0-0 at home to Tottenham a fortnight ago, will look for their first win as they travel to Greek side Asteras Tripoli.

There is an interesting reunion in Group A as Lucien Favre, the Borussia Monchengladbach boss, takes his side to former club FC Zurich.

Favre led Zurich to their first Swiss title in 25 years in 2006 and then successfully defended it before moving to Hertha Berlin, and then Monchengladbach.

Both sides will be looking for their first win with Monchengladbach having drawn 1-1 at home to Villarreal last time out while Zurich were beaten 3-2 by Apollon Limassol.

In Group D, Salzburg, who drew 2-2 at home to Celtic, travel to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu.

Obafemi Martins breaks Seattle scoring record to take them back to top

Obafemi Martins breaks Seattle scoring record to take them back to top

Former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins broke Seattle's goal-scoring record as the Sounders beat Chivas USA to regain top spot in the MLS Western Conference.

Martins scored twice in the 4-2 win to take his tally to 15 - one more than the previous record of 14 set by Eddie Johnson in 2012.

His first brought Seattle back to 1-1, cancelling out an Erick Torres goal. A Seattle own goal gave Chivas the lead for the second time as they sought to avoid a seventh consecutive defeat but Lamar Neagle levelled again for Seattle.

Martins then provided an assist for former Fulham and Tottenham forward Clint Dempsey to put the Sounders ahead for the first time before scoring his record-breaking second.

That first win in three matches moved Seattle to 57 points and back to the top of the Western Conference table, three ahead of Los Angeles Galaxy who host New York Red Bulls on Sunday night.

Seattle and Los Angeles have already secured playoff places.

At Toronto, Michael Bradley scored in the 89th minute to complete their three-goal, second-half comeback which beat the Portland Timbers 3-2 in a game marred by a serious injury to Portland captain Will Johnson.

Johnson broke his right fibula and tibia in the first minute when the Canadian international went shin-on-shin in a 50-50 challenge with Toronto full-back Mark Bloom as both players slid to get the ball.

Toronto defender Nick Hagglund scored a brace midway through the second-half to cancel out Fanendo Adi's 13th-minute opener for Portland and a Steven Caldwell own goal after 16 minutes.
                  
Pedro Morales also scored twice to lift the Vancouver Whitecaps to a 2-1 comeback victory over Real Salt Lake. 

Morales scored from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute and then off a deflection in the 78th to spark a celebration as Vancouver passed Portland into the final Western Conference playoff spot.

Nat Borchers scored for Real Salt Lake.

Luis Silva scored early in the first half to lift DC United to a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union to extend their lead over Sporting Kansas City and the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference to six points.

Elsewhere, Ethan Finlay opened the scoring in the second minute and Federico Higuain added a second-half goal to give the Columbus Crew a 2-0 over the Montreal Impact and Atiba Harris scored in the final minute to salvage a 1-1 draw for the San Jose Earthquakes at the Colorado Rapids.