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Valdez sends Seattle past Sporting KC 1-0 in MLS playoffs

SEATTLE (AP) - Nelson Valdez found a perfect moment to snap his scoring drought.

Valdez scored his first MLS goal in nearly a calendar year on a header in the 88th minute to give the Seattle Sounders a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Thursday night in the knockout round of the MLS Western Conference playoffs.

With Seattle pressing for a winner in the closing minutes of regulation, Joevin Jones' cross found Valdez at the near post and his quick header easily beat goalkeeper Tim Melia.

"It's felt like there's been a big mountain on top of me all season.