Dempsey leads Sounders past Timbers

Seattle, WA (SportsNetwork.com) - Clint Dempsey's second-half goal proved to be the difference on Sunday as the Seattle Sounders FC came away with a 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers at CenturyLink Field.

Both teams entered the game having won two of their last three games. The teams are separated by one point as Seattle stands with 10 points and Portland with nine.

Seattle had the best chances in the first half, Obafemi Martins right foot shot from the left side of box misses off just right of the goal in the 10th minute. Then in the 39th minute Marco Pappa took a shot from just outside the 18 but it flew just over the crossbar. The teams settled for 0-0 tie at the break.

After just checking into the game, Andy Rose's left footed shot from the center of the box was blocked by Portland keeper Adam Kwarasey. Dempsey waiting on the door step punched the ball into the net to give the Sounders a 1-0 lead in the 77th minute.

The Timbers would mount a last minute push when Gaston Fernandez free kick was pushed over the cross bar by Seattle goal keeper Stefan Frei. The ensuing corner was cleared as the whistle ended the game.

With the loss the Timbers have lost two games in deciding the Cascadia Cup.