7th Heaven: Last goal wins it for Sounders, 4-3

Ciaran O'Brien battles for the ball. The Federal Way native had two assists for Seattle.

(Rick Morrison)

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In a wild offensive match the Seattle Sounders edged the Carolina Railhawks 4-3 Sunday night at Starfire.

The big win nudged along Seattle's playoff spot hopes and provided much entertainment for the 2,008 fans on hand (smallest home league crowd of the season.)

It was 2-2 at halftime after the Sounders had taken the lead 1-0 on a header by Josh Gardner off of a looping cross from Ciaran O'Brien. Carolina rallied with two breakaway scores by Hamed Diallo to take over 2-1. Before the half was over Seattle drew level on a goal by by Roger Levesque on a header off of a corner kick from Ciaran O'Brien.

In the second half Carolina took their second and final lead 3-2 in the 49th minute when Diallo completed a hat trick with his third goal.

The Sounders rebounded off the second header from Josh Gardner in the 63rd and a scramble goal by Le Toux just two minutes later in the 65th.

Josh Gardner & co. celebrate the goal that tied it up 3-3.
(Rick Morrison)

The seventh goal of the night was the winner and the Sounders locked up a much-needed victory to get their momentum back.

The early portions of the match featured up and down the pitch wide open play from both sides. The Sounders had numerous near misses which in turn were countered by long runs from the Railhawks. Both of Carolina's first half tallies came on long runs down the right side after Seattle attacks had been thwarted.

The evening was dampened by rain of various amounts and intensity. Most of the match was played in a mist with occasional showers.

The Sounders are now 9-8-9 on the season with 36 standings points. The tight table sees the Sounders now tied for 3rd with Charleston, who have a match in hand.

The goal spree broke a long scoreless stretch for the Sounders offense.

Roger Levesque scored his first goal since coming back from a long injury spell.
(Rick Morrison)

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