Seattle Sounders move three points clear at the top of the Western Conference

A brace from Obafemi Martins has helped the Seattle Sounders to move three points clear at the top of the MLS Western Conference, as they defeated Portland Timbers 4-2 away from home.

Martins put Seattle ahead after 16 minutes when he made use of Brad Evans's cross to tap home from close range.

The former Newcastle United frontman was on hand again when the Sounders snatched their second of the night, this time as he broke away with pace on the counter, before squaring to trusted forward partner Clint Dempsey, who made no mistake by firing into the centre of goal.

Portland didn't find themselves with much of the ball, but Gaston Fernandez tried to drag them back into the encounter as he was denied by a standout stop from Stefan Frei.

The visitors confirmed their three points in the 70th minute as Chad Barrett drilled home after being picked out by Dempsey.

The Timbers did pull a mere consolation goal back through Fanendo Adi, but that made no difference at all as Martins grabbed his second with just under 15 minutes to go.

Adi did his best to restore a semblance of pride to his side when he tucked in during injury time to secure a brace, leaving the final score at 4-2.