In July, the Seattle Sounders proved to be a second-half team, with nine of their 11 goals coming in the final 45 minutes. So far in August, the Sounders are excelling in both halves.
On Saturday evening, the Rave Green jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes with goals from forwards Will Bruin and Clint Dempsey. Dempsey added another in the second half, while Jordan Morris scored his third goal of the season as the Sounders topped Minnesota United FC 4-0 at TCF Bank Stadium.
Bruin began the scoring in the ninth minute with a one-touch hit with his left foot that found the far corner of the net. While leading a counterattack, Dempsey entered the top of the area and found a streaking Bruin slicing through Minnesota's backline. Bruin's ensuing touch drifted past Minnesota goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth and rolled into the back of the net.
Deuce doubled the score in the 18th minute with a tap-in header. From the right flank, midfielder Gustav Svensson sent in a looping pass to a crowd at the back post. The pinpoint pass found defender Chad Marshall, who delivered a leaping header across the goal. Dempsey was in the perfect position for the easy score at the line.
Morris extended the lead in the 71st minute with his third goal of the season. Midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro placed a rolling, weighted pass from the center of the park, which fed an open Morris just above the 18-yard-box. The second-year forward took two dribbles and found himself directly in front of the keeper, where he slipped his shot through Shuttleworth's legs.
Two minutes later, Dempsey registered a brace with his team-leading ninth goal of the season. From the left flank, fullback Joevin Jones sent a cross to the top of the area for Dempsey. With four defenders drawing near to him, Dempsey cheekily hesitated with the ball. His patience paid off, as he managed to slot his deflected shot into the right side of the net for the 4-0 lead.
