Clint Dempsey sends his volley towards the New York net.

SEATTLE–The Sounders (8-3-2, 26 points) rebounded from a 1-0 deficit to score twice in the second half to defeat the Red Bulls (4-2-5, 17 points) 2-1 in their lone matchup of the year.

Two minutes into added time, defender Tyrone Mears’ cross to the far post found an open Clint Dempsey. The Seattle forward sent his volley towards the net. Late substitute Chad Barrett reached out with his right foot to deflect the ball for the game-winning tally although arguments will need to be settled about whether the ball was already over the line.

Seattle looked lethargic and tired until midway in the second half. Three matches in nine days may have accounted for the unsteady pace.

Lloyd Sam scored the first goal of the game  on a play with 14 minutes left in the first half. Sounders FC defender Chad Marshall’s clearance clipped Brad Evans’ arm. Referee Jose Carlos Rivero called for a hand ball and placed it just outside the 18-yard box.

On the subsequent free kick, the ball deflected off the wall. Sam maneuvered his way past the Sounders’ defense and headed the ball past keeper Stefan Frei to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 first-half lead.

Sam’s score was New York’s first goal after being shutout in their two previous games. It also stopped Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei’s bid to extend his shutout streak to four consecutive matches.

Seattle drew even on Pappa’s second goal of the year in the 69th minute. After receiving a long Obafemi Martins pass outside the box, Pappa made several cutback moves and found enough space to shoot between two New York defenders for the tying goal.

Seattle’s win extended their lead over second place Vancouver to three points in the Western Conference.

Seattle next meets Sporting Kansas City on the road on Saturday, June 6. The Red Bulls head to Houston for a Friday evening encounter against the Dynamo.

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