MLS Review: Larin brace sinks NYCFC, Dempsey stars for Sounders

Sacha Pisani

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MLS Review: Larin brace sinks NYCFC, Dempsey stars for Sounders image

Cyle Larin scored twice as high-flying Orlando City overcame New York City FC, while Clint Dempsey inspired the Seattle Sounders to victory against the LA Galaxy.

Red Bulls hitting their stride

Canadian forward Larin was at the double to guide Eastern Conference leader Orlando to a 2-1 victory at NYCFC on Sunday.

Larin continued his dazzling form with his ninth goal in seven matches against NYCFC following strikes in the 31st and 51st minutes, while David Villa reduced the deficit with 16 minutes remaining.

Lethal in the penalty area, Larin opened the scoring with a close-range goal just past the half-hour mark and he was at it again six minutes after the interval when he rose highest to outmuscle Rodney Wallace and head past goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

NYCFC captain Villa ensured a nervy finale with a superbly taken volley in the 74th minute but Orlando was not to be denied a third successive victory as Patrick Vieira's side lost for the second time in three matches to fall five points behind the visitors.

In Carson, California, the Sounders eased to a 3-0 win over the struggling Galaxy.

The damage was done in the first half as Dempsey, an Ashley Cole own goal and Jordan Morris ended a three-match winless run for the Sounders as the Galaxy suffered back-to-back defeats.

Meanwhile, Minnesota United claimed its second win of the season after prevailing 1-0 at home to Colorado Rapids in a battle of the Western Conference strugglers, with Miguel Ibarra scoring the winner.

Sacha Pisani