The success of MLS in the Pacific Northwest might be worthy of an entire book, but we don’t have time to break down all the ins and outs of the various rivalries and attendance figures. Rather, we’re here to talk about what Clint Dempsey did last night, which was gut yet another rival team in the dying moments of a match.

Seattle led 1-0 late in the first half when Brad Evans was handed a red card for a tackle on Darlington Nagbe in the box. That led to a converted penalty, and Portland scored again in first half stoppage time to take a 2-1 lead.

Playing at home, with a man advantage for an entire half, it seemed like Portland would perhaps cruise to a big win over their hated rival. Instead, they let the Sounders hang around, and if there’s any opposing player you don’t want to let hang around, it’s Clint Dempsey.

Dempsey came on as a second half substitute, and made his presence felt late in stoppage time:

Good heavens, is that guy clutch.

Some alternate angles:

There’s a reason Dempsey’s scored more than 100 professional goals, with 56 more for the USMNT to his credit as well. He gets in the right spot, he’s clinical, and he shines brightest in the biggest moments. This might not have been one of the three World Cups he’s scored in, but a Cascadia rivalry game isn’t nothing, and for the Sounders to play a man down for more than a half and come away with a point on the road is a hell of an achievement.

Please don’t retire, Clint.

About Jay Rigdon

Jay is a columnist at Awful Announcing. He is not a strong swimmer. He is probably talking to a dog in a silly voice at this very moment.