Martins scores two; Sounders end streak

SEATTLE – The Sounders’ lineup changed for the better Sunday, and so did their result.

With a starting 11 infused by the return of Obafemi Martins and the debuts of Nelson Valdez and Roman Torres, the Sounders ended a five-game losing streak with a 4-0 mauling of expansion Orlando City at CenturyLink Field.

The new blood contributed directly: Martins scored two goals, Valdez one, and Torres got an assist while also adding muscle to the middle of a defense that didn’t allow a shot on goal.

“Obviously, having some guys back on the park made a big difference for us,” coach Sigi Schmid said. “Oba being on the park obviously helps us – not only just his play, but it gives everybody around the team a little more confidence. I thought Valdez had a great debut game. I think you see why we brought him here: his ability to battle and fight. Torres was a calming influence in the back.”

Martins returned exactly two months after suffering an adductor strain June 16 in the U.S. Open Cup. In his absence, the Sounders went 1-8 in league play, scoring just three goals over that stretch.

With Martins back, it took Seattle 62 minutes to match that goal total – and 90 minutes plus a bit of stoppage time to exceed it.

“He brings special qualities,” Schmid said. “But the most important thing: He also brings everybody else on the field confidence. … And as their confidence grows, now all of a sudden guys who have been struggling, they play beyond themselves a little bit, and it makes all the difference in the world.”

Martins opened the scoring in the 17th minute, creating his own opportunity with a spin near the top of the penalty area, then working a give-and-go with Lamar Neagle and finishing past Orlando goalkeeper Tally Hall.

In the 39th minute, Orlando defender Tyler Turner was shown a second yellow card, and the Lions played a man down the rest of the way.

Seattle (11-12-2) took advantage in the 51st minute, with Valdez heading in his first MLS goal.

Martins got his club-high ninth goal 11 minutes later, tapping a short chip to himself over the charging Hall and then finishing with the bottom of his boot.

Seconds before the final whistle, Thomas notched his first goal as a Sounder, assisted by Torres.

“We said before the game, ‘This is where the bleeding stops,’ ” Seattle captain Brad Evans said. “We’ve said that before and we came out kind of iffy; but today I thought everybody from minute one was on the same game plan.”

Four goals proved more than enough for a reworked Sounders defense that notched its first shutout since July 3. Seattle limited the Lions (7-11-7) to five shots, none on target, and held former FIFA world player of the year Kaka to a single attempt.