Scott’s first MLS goal sparks Sounders

SEATTLE – Zach Scott headed in a corner kick from Alex Caskey midway through the 63rd minute for his first Major League Soccer goal, leading the Seattle Sounders past the Colorado Rapids 1-0 on Saturday.

Scott’s goal ended a 305-minute drought for the Sounders (3-1-1). Michael Gspurning picked up his second straight shutout and third of the season.

Sounders goalkeeper Gspurning needed to make just one save for the shutout, even though the Rapids had 60 percent of the possession for the game.

“We were not as consistent as we were in the first half trying to go forward and be dangerous,” Colorado coach Oscar Pareja said. “In the first half, I saw a lot of intensity and courage and discipline, and we moved the ball very well.”

The game was the first for Rapids forward Brian Mullan against the Sounders since his two-footed sliding tackle last April 22 in Colorado left speedy Seattle midfielder Steve Zakuani with a broken right leg. Mullan served an MLS record-tying 10-game suspension, which ended before the return match in Seattle on July 16. But he did not make that trip because of back spasms.

“I want him back on the field more than anybody,” Mullan said. “For that to happen to him on my watch is something I’ll never live down. I don’t know if you’ve watched me play since then, but it has completely changed my game.”

Zakuani still has not returned to action for the Sounders.