Defending champions Los Angeles Galaxy have been knocked out of the MLS playoffs after losing 3-2 to the Seattle Sounders on a dramatic night at CenturyLink Field.
The deadlock was broken in just the fifth minute when Donovan Ricketts paid the price for fumbling a cross as Clint Dempsey capitalised on the loose ball to shoot into an empty net.
Los Angeles produced an immediate response as Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes combined to set up Sebastian Lletget, who kept his composure to fire home the equaliser.
A frantic opening 12 minutes continued with Seattle regaining the lead when Nelson Valdez capitalised on poor marking in the box to volley in from Andres Ivanschitz's inviting free kick.
However, the Galaxy bounced back well once again as Robbie Keane rattled the crossbar shortly before they equalised for the second time when Zardes finished calmly after being found by Juninho.
After twice coming from behind to get back on level terms, the Galaxy finished the first half strongly as Steven Gerrard sent an effort just past the post before Stefan Frei kept out a low strike from Dos Santos.
Both sides enjoyed spells on top early in the second half, and it looked like a wasted opportunity by Seattle would be key after Obafemi Martins somehow cleared the crossbar from a promising position in the box.
The winner arrived with less than 20 minutes of normal time remaining as the Galaxy defence failed to deal with a cross, and the loose ball broke to Erik Friberg, who produced a half-volley from the edge of the box to put the hosts in front for the third time.
It was an anxious wait for the final whistle as Galaxy threatened to find another equaliser when Zardes watched Frei push his powerful shot wide of the target, but the best chance was wasted by Alan Gordon, who headed past the post after connecting with a Gerrard free kick as Seattle held on to keep their title bid alive.
Callum Mulvihill
