Clint Dempsey scored twice and added an assist as the visiting Seattle Sounders defeated the Colorado Rapids 3-1 on Independence Day in Commerce City.
Dempsey put Seattle ahead after just six minutes when he beat his U.S. National Team teammate Tim Howard from eight yards out. Will Bruin doubled the lead at the half hour mark from close range after Rapids defender Eric Miller slipped.
Seattle were also dealt two early blows as midfielder Osvaldo Alonso and defender Chad Marshall were forced out of the match with injuries by the 20th minute.
Dominique Badji gave Colorado hope with his goal in the 78th, but Dempsey put the game away with his second of the night with five minutes to play.
Goals
- 6' – SEA – Clint Dempsey WATCH
- 30' – SEA – Will Bruin WATCH
- 78' – COL – Dominique Badji WATCH
- 85' – SEA – Clint Dempsey WATCH
Three Things
- DEUCE LIGHTS 'EM UP: Clint Dempsey is finding his groove. After scoring off the bench last week at Portland, the veteran notched his first multi-goal game in nearly a year. The last time he scored twice was on Aug. 21, 2016 in a 3-1 win over Portland, which unfortunately turned out to be his last game of the year after being diagnosed with a heart issue.
- INJURY CONCERNS: While Seattle improved to 14-5-2 all-time against the Rapids, and 6-3-1 in Colorado, they'll be quickly moving on and in a wait-and-see situation with two key players. For now, the team says that Alonso suffered a knee injury and Marshall a foot injury. Alonso went out after a challenge by Rapids defender Dennis Castillo in the 13th minute. It was unclear when or how Marshall was injured when he was replaced in the 22nd minute.
- RAPIDS DEFENSE: While Seattle was clinical in their finishing, they may owe some thanks to Colorado's defense. On the opening goal, Dempsey found himself receiving a ball unmarked inside the box, and Bruin took advantage of a slip by Miller to extend the lead. Colorado made a halftime adjustments, removing left back Mekeil Williams for forward Caleb Calvert and dropping Dillon Serna to the back line. Still, they were whistled for 19 fouls and shown five yellow cards.
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