Sounders get step closer to playoff berth

TUKWILA — The Seattle Sounders look like a different team when veteran midfielder Leighton O'Brien is running the show.

They look more organized and play with a decided crispness.

O'Brien's return from injury was evident as the Sounders moved one step to their 12th postseason berth in 15 seasons with a 3-0 victory over Miami FC Blues in Saturday's match in front of 3,676 fans at Starfire Sports & Entertainment Complex.

O'Brien, 32, supplied two goals, including a nifty left-footed strike from 19 yards out in the 77th minute to cap the scoring.

"It was a really difficult month to be out," said O'Brien, the 11th-year pro. "I've been dying for a month to be playing. We've only got a few games left, so I had to step up.

"I felt like I was playing the best soccer I've played in a couple years before I got hurt. It was right before our [Lamar Hunt U.S.] Open Cup semifinal, and that was such a heartbreaker."

O'Brien came back to the pitch Tuesday after missing nine games, including six in league, with a broken right arm. He rejoined the team in a 2-1 exhibition win over the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS. O'Brien has seven goals this season.

The Sounders (18-9-9 overall, 10-8-9 league) moved into fourth place in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division with 39 points. Miami remained in last place and fell to 6-12-10 with 28 points.

A Seattle win Wednesday at home against the Montreal Impact would clinch a spot in the top seven and yield a playoff berth.

"I think we're running downhill now," O'Brien said after the Sounders' third win in a row after a rough patch in July and August. "Seattle is always dangerous come playoff time. No one will want to play us. Now, we're a confident team."

Seattle goalkeeper Chris Eylander registered his 10th shutout in league and 14th overall.

Seattle went ahead 1-0 on O'Brien's penalty kick in the 33rd minute, converting the 12-yard shot after Sebastien Le Toux was fouled by Miami goalkeeper Josh Saunders in the penalty area.

"Leighton always seems to be a guy who takes over big games," said Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer, whose team has gotten healthy at the right time. "When you have a guy who wants the ball, it makes [teammates'] jobs easier."

Saunders came far out in the penalty area to harass Le Toux and clipped Le Toux's leg while he attempted to go around Saunders. Le Toux did his part selling the foul.

Le Toux tapped in a point-blank shot when Saunders came at Kenji Treschuk on the left sideline, giving Seattle 2-0 lead in the 49th minute. It was Le Toux's team-best 19th goal of the season overall.