Seattle earn dramatic victory in MLS West final

SEATTLE SOUNDERS retained their Major League Soccer (MLS) Western Conference title on Monday night after a dramatic, come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Minnesota United at CenturyLink Field, Seattle.

The encounter was a clash between close friends and TT footballers, Joevin Jones (Seattle) and Kevin Molino (Minnesota).

Gustav Svensson, who replaced Jones in the 77th minute, scored the game-winner in the third minute of stoppage time as Seattle advanced to the MLS Cup final, where they will face hosts Columbus Crew on Saturday, at 10 pm (TT time).

Minnesota opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Emanuel Reynoso converted a freekick from 25 metres. The midfielder played a role in Minnesota's second goal, in the 67th, from a freekick which was headed home by Bakaye Dibassy.

But Seattle, spurred on by their home fans, reduced the deficit through Will Bruin in the 75th minute. Raul Ruidiaz equalised in the 89th, after Minnesota's defence failed to clear a corner from Nicolas Lodeiro.

And Svensson completed the comeback in the dying seconds, heading Lodeiro's corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.

Columbus Crew defeated New England Revolution 1-0 on Sunday in the MLS Eastern Conference final.