The past seven times the Seattle Sounders were in a playoff game, Clint Dempsey was stuck being a spectator.
Finally back on the field in an elimination game, Dempsey made up for the lost time.
“He’s been ready for a month. He’s been ready for a long time,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said.
Dempsey curled a left-footed shot past Vancouver goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic early in the second half for his first playoff goal in two seasons, added a second goal in the closing minutes, and the Sounders beat the Whitecaps 2-0 on Thursday night to advance to the MLS Western Conference finals.