Seattle beat Vancouver in MLS playoff

Nov 3, 2017 - 6:06 AM A Clint Dempsey brace led the defending champion Seattle Sounders to victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of their Major League Soccer (MLS) western conference semi-final.

Thursday's 2-0 home win followed a goalless draw in Sunday's first leg in Vancouver, as Seattle advanced to a conference final against Portland or Houston.

The Sounders dominated possession against a defensive-minded Vancouver, who sat back in the hope of nicking a goal on the break.

American international Dempsey finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, when he curled the ball home from the edge of the penalty area.

The 34-year-old former Fulham and Tottenham striker, who missed last year's playoffs due to an irregular heartbeat, put the result beyond doubt when he volleyed home his second in the 88th minute for his 14th goal of the season.

The other conference second-leg playoff games will take place on Sunday.

Portland host Houston after a goalless draw in the first leg.

In the east, Toronto FC hold a 2-1 lead going into their home game against the New York Red Bulls, and the Columbus Crew are looingk to protect a 4-1 advantage at New York City FC.

Source: AAP