Clint Dempsey is arguably the best American goalscorer ever. But the Seattle Sounders FC forward didn't need to exert too much effort to record a hat trick Saturday in the Sounders' 3-1 victory over host Orlando City SC at Camping World Stadium.
Dempsey scored three tap-ins while lifting the Sounders to victory and ending Orlando City's 17-game home unbeaten streak, putting two Jordan Morris feeds into empty nets after knocking in another pass from Tyrone Mears in the 14th minute to wiped out an early Orlando City lead. With a two-goal lead, Dempsey was subbed out of the game in the 59th minute.
Playing his second game with the Sounders, Uruguayan playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro once again dazzled for Seattle, collecting two assists and creating a number of chances for the visitors. For Orlando City, a seventh-minute goal by Seb Hines on a header off a Kaka corner kick was wasted as they missed an opportunity to move into sole possession of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Lions remain tied on points with the New England Revolution.
Box Score
- 7' - ORL - Seb Hines (Kaka)
- 14' - SEA - Clint Dempsey (Tyrone Mears, Nicolas Lodeiro)
- 37' - SEA - Clint Dempsey (Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan)
- 48' - SEA - Clint Dempsey (Jordan Morris, Nicolas Lodeiro)
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Three Things
1. HELPING HAND (OR FOOT): Those were some of the easiest goals Clint Dempsey has ever scored. And two of them were the direct result of generous assists from Jordan Morris, who passed up shots of his own to slide passes over to Dempsey. To be fair, Dempsey did the running. Also, after a few missed opportunities last week, it's clear Morris understands that when your star striker is running into space, you get him the ball.
2. NOW THAT'S A DESIGNATED PLAYER SIGNING: Nicolas Lodeiro has previously the limp Seattle attack turned completely around since his arrival. Could that mean playoffs? It's a long shot, but still...
3. NO HOME COOKING FOR ORLANDO: When you've managed to go undefeated at home for 17 straight games, dating back to last season, you expect to find some way, some how to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat. Not this time, though. Striker Cyle Larin had a frustrating day, getting very few touches. He had just one shot in the game.
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