Clint Dempsey came back from suspension in a big way, scoring twice to lead the Seattle Sounders to a 2-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference semifinals.
After missing out on a 0-0 draw in the first leg through suspension, Dempsey came up big for the home side in the second leg Thursday.
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The 34-year-old came close with a volley in the first half, getting on the end of a Nicolas Lodiero cross and pulling it just wide of the mark.
That. Close. #SEAvVAN // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Zr225SFdyH
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 3, 2017
But the Texan found the mark midway through the second half, finishing off a Seattle move with a left-footed shot into the corner to put his side in front.
It had to be him. @clint_dempsey puts @SoundersFC up 1-0! #SEAvVAN // @audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/x4B1b43Vp8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 3, 2017
The former U.S. captain then finished the tie off with his second of the night, touching home a cross from Victor Rodriguez to double the lead.
✌️ for @clint_dempsey
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 3, 2017
✌️ for @SoundersFC #SEAvVAN // @audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/kHbRXrzyep
Dempsey and the Sounders will now make use of the international break to get healthy — with Osvaldo Alonso and Jordan Morris among their injury concerns — before taking on the Portland Timbers or Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference final.
