Andrew Gregor missed the first 12 games of the year with a broken right foot. The Seattle Sounders midfielder was clearly bipedal last night with two goals and an assist as the Sounders pasted last-place Toronto 3-0 at Qwest Field.

The crowd of 2,187 witnessed the Sounders vault themselves into a three-way tie for second place with Rochester and Richmond in the United Soccer League's First Division with a mark of 9-3-6 and 33 points.

Seattle has a three-game advantage in the loss column, having played one less game than either team.

"Those three losses at the end of the year are going to be key," said Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer.

The victory avenged an earlier loss to lowly Toronto. The Lynx won 2-1 at home on July 16, marking the Sounders' first loss in team history to Toronto.

"They were tired and we wanted to put them under pressure," said Gregor, who is tied for third on the team with three goals to go along with two assists.

"Toronto played a different style than they did up there, trying to pack it in on defense. They were in trouble from the beginning trying to do that."

The Sounders play against the Vancouver Whitecaps tomorrow at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel.

Seattle goalkeeper Preston Burpo earned his ninth shutout and increased his league-leading saves total to 82 with a pair of stops.

The Lynx suffered their third straight loss, dropping to 3-11-5 in what has been a frustrating season. That frustration was evident last night as Seattle cashed in on nearly every Toronto foul, beginning in the 10th minute when Gregor earned a free kick for a foul by Toronto's Robin Hart. Gregor scored as Toronto keeper Theo Zagare jumped but could only tip the ball into the top of the cage.

"One of his definite strengths is the set piece," said Schmetzer of Gregor's strong kicking. "Andrew has been motivated since he came back from the injury, and when Andrew is motivated he can be an exceptional player."

Gregor set up Roger Levesque's team-leading fifth goal in the 17th minute. Levesque scored on a brilliant header, catching Toronto's keeper going left and creeping the ball just inside the right bar.

Toronto's Abraham Francois was called for fouling Seattle's C.J. Klaas in the penalty area leading to a Sounders penalty kick. Gregor slapped the ball past Toronto's Zagar with ease for a 3-0 lead.