SEATTLE -- Clint Dempsey is scoring again for the Seattle Sounders. Dempsey converted off a corner kick in the 52nd minute and the Sounders beat the Colorado Rapids 1-0 on Saturday to extend their overall MLS lead. Dempsey has scored in consecutive game for the Sounders (15-7-3) after a five-match drought. He got one last week in a 4-2 victory at rival Portland, a much more wide-open contest than the grind-it-out battle against the Rapids (8-12-6). "When we play at home, most teams sit back, and it opens up in the second half," Dempsey said. "In an ideal world, you can open the game up in the first half and get some goals, and it makes the game easier for you. But the most important thing is the three points and getting two wins in a row and try to keep going from there." Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei had his league-leading eighth shutout. The Sounders boosted their points total to 48, assuring that theyll retain the Western Conference and Supporters Shield leads, regardless of any other results this weekend. "Its important to get points and stay up the table, make the playoffs, and make sure youre going into the playoffs on a good run of form," Dempsey said. "You dont want to limp in." Dempsey scored his 11th goal to move within two of the Sounders season record. Fredy Montero and Eddie Johnson each had 13 goals in 2012. Marco Pappas corner kick from the right side floated into the middle of the penalty area, Dempsey ran onto it and blasted a right-footed shot from 11 yards past goalkeeper Joe Nasco. The 30-year-old Nasco was making his MLS debut. He finished with five saves -- three of them on point-blank shots by Seattles Obafemi Martins, who had a shot bang off the crossbar early in the second half. Sounders coach Sigi Schmid was especially pleased with the result. "We felt we made a statement last week. But a statement doesnt mean anything unless you back it up," Schmid said. "But also when you come off an emotional game, its natural that your team is a little flatter, as well. I thought we did a good job of backing up our statement, getting the three points, winning at home, and getting the shutout." Colorado lost its sixth straight, tying the franchise record set in 1999 and matched in 2012. The Rapids, who havent won since beating Chivas USA 3-0 on July 25, have been shut out three times and outscored 16-6 during the losing streak. "Seattle is a high-powered offence, so theyre always going to get chances," Colorado midfielder Dillon Powers said. "But I thought we did a great job limiting them. We looked strong defensively throughout the entire game. Their goal came off a set piece, which just came down to situational defending. We didnt create too many opportunities, but were still a young squad out there and still learning." In six years, the Rapids have never won in Seattle, managing just one tie in nine games. Wholesale Shoes From China .com) - Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mat Latos had an arthroscopic procedure performed on his right elbow last week, the teams official site reported Wednesday. Replica Shoes Wholesale China . On Tuesday, the star questioned whether that was still the case. Speaking to reporters at a charity event, Johnson said: "I just kind of wonder sometimes: Is this still the place for me?" Johnsons comments came after he was asked why he recently skipped a voluntary minicamp. http://www.wholesaleshoes.us.org/. Kevin Durant certainly played like there was on Sunday night, scoring 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as the Thunder made quick work of the visiting Pacers with a 118-94 win. Wholesale China Shoes Free Shipping . Louis Blues are reportedly taking restricted free agent forward Vladimir Sobotka to arbitration. Wholesale Shoes Brands .Derrick Rose scored 23 points, and the Bulls pulled away from the Nets for a 105-80 victory on Wednesday night. Chicago held Brooklyn to 29 points on 26.LONDON -- Ian Holloway has left his position as Crystal Palace manager by mutual consent, with the club second from bottom in the Premier League. Holloways departure was confirmed at a news conference in central London on Wednesday. The 50-year-old Holloway was under pressure after Palace lost 4-1 at home to Fulham on Monday, leaving the team onn just three points after eight games.dddddddddddd. Hes the second manager to lose his job in the Premier League this season, after Paolo Di Canio at Sunderland. Holloway had guided Palace back into the top flight after an eight-year absence following a victory over Watford in the second-tier League Championship playoffs in May. ' ' '