SEATTLE – If they weren’t already, the Portland Timbers will probably start seeing Clint Dempsey in their nightmares now.
Seattle’s star forward made his mark on his team’s biggest rivals once again, notching the game’s only goal in the 77th minute of the Sounders’ 1-0 victory over Portland on Sunday night at CenturyLink Field. The goal marked Dempsey’s sixth career tally against the Timbers, making him the top all-time scorer in games between the two sides.
“Players get up for derby games,” Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. “This is a derby game. Clint is trying to leave his impression.”
While Dempsey said there’s not necessarily anything different approach-wise for games against the Timbers, he did add that scoring against a rival squad does taste a little sweeter than normal.
“I try to score every game,” Dempsey said. “So anytime you can score goals, you always feel good. It’s a little more special when you can score one against your rivals, especially a game-winner. “
Dempsey’s goal was one of the lone offensive highlights of the contest, coming on a rebound attempt after Portland ‘keeper Adam Kwarasey was unable to corral a shot from Sounders substitute midfielder Andy Rose. But in the end, the defensive battle would suit the Sounders just fine as they managed their fourth clean sheet of the young season, despite playing without suspended center back Chad Marshall.
Veteran Zach Scott held his own after being handed the start in Marshall’s absence, displaying the consistency that has allowed the 34-year-old to stay in Schmid’s backline rotation, even on the back end of his career.
“Zach is Mr. Reliable,” Schmid said. “He just comes through and takes care of business. He does his job, he wins his headers, he’s very good at talking and organizing. For him, at this stage in his career, games are a little bit easier than practice at times. You see a different level from him in games.”
Schmid also expressed overall encouragement with the improved defending from his squad after the Sounders gave up the most goals of any Western Conference playoff team last year.
“Last year, obviously, defensively we gave up some goals,” Schmid said. “You look at our defense [so far] this year I think we’re, if not at the top of the league, we’re very close to the top of the league. That’ll always keep you in games and give opportunities to win games like tonight.”
The victory was the third win in the last four games for the Sounders, a run of strong form that has the defending Supporters’ Shield champs feeling cool and confident as they gear up for an upcoming stretch of three consecutive road games.
“We’re grinding out results, we’re moving up the table like we should be,” Dempsey said. “Confidence comes with getting results and I think we’re growing more confident. I think our play will just continue to improve.”
