Sounders bounce back strong with shutout

The Sounders bounced back from an emotional 2-1 overtime loss to FC Dallas that ended their run through the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 4-0 drubbing of the California Victory on Thursday night at Qwest Field.

Sebastien Le Toux netted three goals, the first hat trick for the Sounders this season, propelling Seattle back to the top of the USL First Division with just one game left on the schedule.

Goalkeepers Chris Eylander and Ben Dragavon combined for the shutout, marking the sixth consecutive game the Victory has been held scoreless.

Le Toux scored in the sixth minute, and the Sounders never lost control. Josh Gardner sent a high bouncing ball to Le Toux in the middle of the penalty area and he wound a shot into the net from 15 yards out.

He added his second goal in the 24th minute, taking a Roger Levesque pass on the right side of the net and lobbing it over the approaching California goalkeeper to give the Sounders a 2-0 lead.

The Frenchman moved into a tie for the league scoring lead with his next goal, matching Montreal forward Charles Gbeke with 10.

Andre Schmid also scored for Seattle, his first.

The Sounders conclude the regular season on the road Sunday against the Minnesota Thunder, where they can clinch first place with a victory.

They will host a playoff game Sept. 16 at Qwest Field, with the opponent to be determined.