Seattle Sounders have moved level on points with Western Conference leaders the Los Angeles Galaxy after thrashing the Colorado Rapids 4-1.

The visitors were gifted the chance to break the deadlock in just the 11th minute when Marvell Wynne handled inside the box to allow Clint Dempsey to fire home the opener from the spot.

Colorado responded well to falling behind, but saw their task made twice as difficult later in the first half when Obafemi Martins latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Marco Pappa before slotting home.

Pappa continued to be influential in the final third of the pitch as he extended his side's lead even further by drilling into the bottom corner after linking with Dempsey.

Some hesitant defending from Seattle raised hopes of a Colorado fightback before the break as Deshorn Brown hammered home to reduce the deficit.

Despite dominating possession for long spells in the second half, the Rapids struggled to build any momentum as Seattle's defence fought to retain their advantage.

The Sounders wrapped up the win in style when Martins arrived at the back post to score his second with the easiest of finishes from Lamar Neagle's cross.

Dempsey could have made it five late on when his powerful strike hit the post, but it would prove to be a very successful day for Sigi Schmid's side.