Seattle Sounders claim victory over Colorado Rapids

The Seattle Sounders have moved to the top of the Western Conference after recording a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids.

Seattle dominated possession in the early stages, and they were ahead in the 16th minute when Marco Pappa was gifted the space to cut inside and pick out the top corner from the edge of the box.

The pace of the hosts in attack was proving to be too much for Colorado to handle, and the visitors were relieved to see Obafemi Martins fire wide after good work from Clint Dempsey.

Colorado struggled to stop Seattle dominating either side of the interval, with Pappa coming agonisingly close to adding his second of the night when he sent a powerful effort just over the crossbar.

Dillon Powers carried the biggest threat for the Rapids, but his best effort was easily kept out Stefan Frei.

Dempsey shot wide in the closing stages after taking the ball past Clint Irwin, but Seattle's failure to extend their advantage did not matter as they collected all three points.