Sounders end LA Galaxy's season with 3-2 win in MLS playoffs
SEATTLE -- Erik Friberg took advantage of a defensive mistake and scored in the 73rd minute, lifting the Seattle Sounders past the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 on Wednesday night in the knockout round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
"A lot of guys sacrificed tonight...I'm very, very proud of those guys," said head coach Sigi Schmid. "We haven't done anything easily all year."
After getting eliminated from the playoffs by Los Angeles three times since 2010, Seattle finally got the better of its rival to the south and ended the year for the Galaxy, who had won three of the last four MLS Cup titles.
Seattle scored twice in the first 12 minutes on goals from Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez, part of a wild first half that featured four goals in the first 22 minutes.
But it was Friberg providing the winner, taking advantage of a third defensive mistake by the Galaxy and sending Seattle into the conference semifinals against either FC Dallas or Vancouver.
The Sounders next game will be this Sunday at home.