Dempsey strikes as Seattle finally get off the mark [VIDEO]

United States international Clint Dempsey scored the game’s only goal as the Seattle Sounders finally bagged their first Major League Soccer win of the season with a 1-0 victory over a depleted Montreal Impact.

Dempsey headed home from a corner on 79 minutes to settle a hard fought encounter against a Montreal side still missing star striker Didier Drogba, who is nursing a knee injury.

The win came as a welcome relief for Seattle, who were desperate to get off the mark after losing their opening three fixtures.

Seattle created the better chances throughout, setting the tone for the match early on when Nelson Valdez and Cristian Roldan both had attempts on goal in the opening minute.

The breakthrough came with just over 10 minutes remaining, when former Fulham star Dempsey lost his marker to meet an Andreas Ivanschitz corner at the back post with a header to score.

The Los Angeles Galaxy’s sluggish start to the season saw them held to a disappointing 0-0 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada.

The big-spending Californian club’s season has been hampered by injuries to former England captain Steven Gerrard and Republic of Ireland record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who faces several weeks on the sidelines.

The absence of Keane was all too obvious on Saturday as the Galaxy failed to break down a Vancouver team reduced to 10 men when Matias Laba was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Mike Magee.

Last season’s beaten MLS Cup finalists meanwhile, the Columbus Crew, are still waiting for their first win of the season after being held to a 1-1 draw by FC Dallas in Texas on Saturday.

Crew were set on the road to a morale-boosting victory after Justin Meram headed them in front after nine minutes.

Crew had several chances to extend their lead thereafter but were thwarted by Chris Seitz in the Dallas goal.

With time running out Columbus were made to rue their profligacy when Tesho Akindele reacted quickest to tap home the rebound after a long range effort from Max Urruti on 77 minutes rebounded off the post and keeper Steve Clark.