Dempsey nets hat trick, Sounders beat Orlando City, 3-1 final

 

ORLANDO, Fla. - Clint Dempsey recorded his second career hat-trick as Seattle Sounders FC (7-12-3, 24 points) took three points on the road against Orlando City SC (5-6-11, 26 points) Sunday evening at Camping World Stadium.

Nicolás Lodeiro and Jordan Morris registered two assists apiece as Seattle earned its second road win of 2016 and snapped a 17-match home unbeaten streak for Orlando City. With 11 of its final 12 matches regular-season matches against Western Conference opposition, Seattle continues its late-season push for a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs next Sunday in a nationally-televised home fixture against Real Salt Lake on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.

Sounders FC responded seven minutes later, as newly-signed Designated Player Lodeiro unlocked Orlando's defense, playing a cutting through ball to onrushing fullback Tyrone Mears. Seattle's English defender squared a cross for Dempsey, who leveled the score at one apiece.

Dempsey was far from done on the night, bagging his second strike of the evening before the stroke of halftime, as the Texas native tapped home a goal in the 37th minute to give Seattle a 2-1 lead heading into the break. Midfielder Cristian Roldan played a lofted through ball to Morris, with the rookie forward providing the assist to Dempsey.