Los Angeles Galaxy have moved within two points of the top of the Western Conference after beating Seattle Sounders 3-1 at Stubhub Center.
The Sounders were ahead almost from the kickoff as Chad Barrett tucked home Erik Friberg's low cross from close range with what turned out to be his only touch of the game.
As the striker wheeled away in celebration, he pulled his right hamstring and was forced off immediately.
Los Angeles pulled level on 13 minutes as Juninho's cross to the far post found Gyasi Zardes, whose controlled right-foot shot beat Stefan Frei from a tight angle.
Galaxy pressed for a second goal before half time, but both Robbie Keane and Zardes were unable to hit the target before the interval.
However, the hosts scored less than two minutes after the restart as Keane punished slack defending from the Sounders, who have now won only once in 11 games, to score his 11th of the campaign.
LA looked to have wrapped up victory on 64 minutes as debutant Giovani dos Santos found space on the left side of the area before smashing his shot into the far corner of Frei's net.
Seattle gave the home side a scare when Donovan Ricketts dropped Friberg's cross and Andy Rose's effort was subsequently cleared off the line by Robbie Rogers.
Minutes later, Galaxy came close to scoring a fourth goal when Alan Gordon received Sebastian Lletget crossfield pass, but struck his shot against the woodwork.
However, the Californians held on to their lead to move within two points of leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.
Chris O'Keefe
