Clint Dempsey WIll Bruin Seattle Sounders MLS Playoffs

VIDEO: Dempsey returns with a brace as Sounders oust Whitecaps

Clint Dempsey came back from suspension in a big way, scoring twice to lead the Seattle Sounders to a 2-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference semifinals. 

After missing out on a 0-0 draw in the first leg through suspension, Dempsey came up big for the home side in the second leg Thursday. 

The 34-year-old came close with a volley in the first half, getting on the end of a Nicolas Lodiero cross and pulling it just wide of the mark. 

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But the Texan found the mark midway through the second half, finishing off a Seattle move with a left-footed shot into the corner to put his side in front. 

The former U.S. captain then finished the tie off with his second of the night, touching home a cross from Victor Rodriguez to double the lead. 

Dempsey and the Sounders will now make use of the international break to get healthy — with Osvaldo Alonso and Jordan Morris among their injury concerns — before taking on the Portland Timbers or Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference final.

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