Martins, Valdez spark Seattle Sounders to 4-0 rout of Orlando City

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:15 am

SEATTLE -- Obafemi Martins scored two goals in his first game since June 16 and the Seattle Sounders beat Orlando City 4-0 on Sunday to snap their club-record losing streak at five games.

The Sounders (11-12-2) won for the first time since beating D.C. United 1-0 on July 3. That was Seattle's only win in a stretch of nine games (1-8-0) while Martins, now with a team-leading nine goals, recovered from a groin injury suffered late in a 3-1 U.S. Open Cup loss to Portland.

Martins worked a give-and-go with Lamar Neagle for a 7-yard shot past goalkeeper Tally Hall into the back left corner midway through the 17th minute.

Paraguayan newcomer Nelson Valdez, signed Aug. 7, headed in a target ball from Erik Friberg for a 2-0 lead late in the 51st minute. Martins made it 3-0 midway through the 62nd, and Thomas scored during stoppage time, his first.

Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei earned his ninth shutout.

Orlando City (7-11-7) went down a man in the 40th minute when defender Tyler Turner was sent off with his second yellow card.