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Sounders-Rapids Preview

Led by an explosive offense, the Seattle Sounders are in a tight race for the Supporters' Shield.

They'll likely have to make some defensive improvements to finish with MLS' best record.

The Sounders look to avoid a possible pitfall Sunday when they visit the Colorado Rapids, who are still trying to snap their lengthy winless streak.

Seattle (18-9-3) is battling with Los Angeles atop the Western Conference in a bid for its first Supporters' Shield. The Sounders host Vancouver on Oct. 10 before closing the season with a home-and-home against the Galaxy that will likely determine home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

They bounced back from consecutive losses with a 4-2 win over Chivas USA on Sept. 27. Obafemi Martins scored twice and has netted seven of his 15 goals in his last seven matches.

Seattle, which is second in the league with 57 goals, is 11-0-0 when Martins scores.

"Early in the year, he was one of the best scorers in the league and he just steps it up with more and more energy," midfielder Lamar Neagle told the team's official website. "It's nice to have a guy like that."

However, the Sounders have plenty of work to do defensively after giving up 13 goals in their last five matches. They had given up 14 in their previous 14.

"Part of it comes because we're a very offensive team," coach Sigi Schmid said. "We tend to go forward and so sometimes we leave things a little open or we put more energy into that area of the field, which is great because we score goals. But we've got to find the right balance as well."

The Rapids might be just the opponent for a defensive tune-up - their four goals in their last five matches are tied for the fewest in the league since Aug. 30. Seattle also owns an 11-2-2 record in the series after winning two prior meetings earlier this season.

Colorado appeared on its way to securing its first victory in two months before surrendering the equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time in a 1-all draw with San Jose on Sept. 27. Coach Pablo Mastroeni called it "one of the most difficult results that I've ever experienced.

"At this point it's about staying positive and keep working and keep challenging yourself, challenging your teammates and working together as a group - staying together and continue on what we started in the beginning of the year," Mastroeni said.

The Rapids have been outscored 30-10 during an 0-8-2 stretch, matching the longest winless stretch in club history from 2007. Another loss or draw Sunday could officially eliminate Colorado from playoff contention depending on other league results.

Seattle's Clint Dempsey scored two goals in a 4-1 home win against the Rapids on April 26 and has found the back of the net five times in his last five matchups.

The Sounders are just 2-5-0 in their last seven road matches after starting 5-1-2 away from home.

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