MLS Review: Seattle go top, Toronto fight back to win

Seattle claimed the Western Conference lead with victory while Toronto FC produced a stirring fightback to win in Saturday’s MLS action.

The Seattle Sounders moved three points ahead of the LA Galaxy – who host the New York Red Bulls on Sunday – with a 4-2 home win over strugglers Chivas USA.

Seattle were heavy favourites against a Chivas side who had not won in 11 matches – losing 10 of them.

But Erick Torres gave them a scare with a 12th-minute opener for Chivas, tapping into an empty net after Felix Borja’s shot was parried.

And although Obafemi Martins quickly responded with a 25-yard stunner, parity did not last long, as Jalil Anibaba turned a Torres cross into his own net.

Chivas began to dream of a first win since July but those thoughts were quashed by half-time as Lamar Neagle and Clint Dempsey both netted composed finishes for Seattle.

And Martins got a second six minutes after play resumed with a chipped finish as the Sounders ended a two-game losing streak of their own.

Toronto’s revival under new coach Greg Vanney gathered pace with an excellent 3-2 home win over the Portland Timbers.

Vanney, who took on the Toronto top job last month, saw his side trail 2-0 inside 20 minutes after a Steven Caldwell own goal followed Fanendo Ali’s opener.

Nick Hagglund scored twice in three second-half minutes, though, setting up a thrilling conclusion.

And Michael Bradley netted the winner when his 35-yard free-kick from the left inadvertently bounced in.

Toronto have climbed up to sixth in the Eastern Conference.

Vancouver also came from behind to win – two Pedro Morales goals in the last 30 minutes giving the Whitecaps a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.

Eastern Conference leaders DC United beat Philadelphia Union 1-0 thanks to Luis Silva’s 10th-minute strike.

Elsewhere, Columbus Crew beat Montreal Impact 2-0 and Western Conference strugglers Colorado Rapids and the San Jose Earthquakes played out a 1-1 draw.