SEATTLE - Clint Dempseys introduction to the Cascadia rivalry came before one of the largest crowds in Major League Soccer history and was filled with pushes and shoves, harsh tackles and heated words. Brayden Schenn Flyers Jersey . And Seattle got the better of its rivals from Portland. "I told the guys before the game, this career is so fleeting and there is so much uncertainty day to day ... but the one thing I know for certain is we beat Portland, period," Seattle defender Zach Scott said. "Were always going to be the team to beat. They can say there is a changing of the guard, they can say were a group of stars and they are the team, but in the end we are the ones that are going to come out victorious." Eddie Johnson flicked a header past goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts off a free kick in the 60th minute, and the Seattle Sounders made Dempseys home debut memorable with a 1-0 win Sunday night over the Portland Timbers before the second-largest, stand-alone crowd in Major League Soccer history. The crowd of 67,385 trailed only the first home game for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 1996 that drew 69,255. It topped the 66,452 that saw Seattle and Portland play last October at CenturyLink Field and was the largest for any match in Seattle, besting a friendly against Manchester United in 2011. "Nobody compares to our fans. When they turn out in numbers like that, its indescribable," Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said. Johnson scored his fourth goal against the Timbers moments after his speed in the open field drew a free kick when he was chopped down by defender Pa Modou Kah. Mauro Rosales curling ball into the box found Johnson wide open after he left defender Alvas Powell behind. "Were going to keep suffering if we dont find goals and if we dont sort out set pieces," Portland coach Caleb Porter said. It was Johnsons sixth goal in MLS play. Seattle improved to 35-0-8 in its last 43 games when scoring first and controlled the second half after Portland had the better chances in the first 45 minutes. The Sounders moved into a tie for fifth place in the Western Conference with 37 points and still have at least one game in hand on the rest of their playoff competition. "I like the occasion of it. I like to play in big games," Johnson said. "We know how much it means to the fans. We know how much it means to the organization, the importance of these games. But at the end of the day you want to step up in big games and show your value." Seattle was on pace for another crowd of 60,000-plus before Dempseys arrival. But the acquisition of the U.S. captain from Tottenham, plus Seattles archrival being his first home match, pushed the stadium past its capacity. Before the game, fans jammed Occidental Park north of the stadium for the annual pregame march to it. Flares were lit, songs were sung and full city blocks were crammed with fans in rave green. And No. 2 jerseys with "Dempsey" across the back flooded the stadium. Dempsey received the loudest screams when he was the last name announced during pregame introductions. Fans added Dempsey-related signs around the stadium, including "Dempseyland" on north stands. He delighted the fans with his footwork and creativity. In the first half, he flicked a no-look pass to Johnson and nearly scored in the second-half on a modified scissor kick — he called it a "ninja kick" — as he tried to get his first goal for Seattle. The Timbers werent afraid to be physical with Dempsey, pushing him off the ball when they could. Kah was especially willing, drawing Dempseys ire and a few shoves in the back. But it was his careless tackle on Johnson that led to the free kick that gave Seattle the victory. "Its showing character. Thats what you have to have in these types of games. Being able to push yourself to the limit but not too far," Dempsey said. "I thought the team showed a lot of character, kept a clean sheet, and Eddie does what he does. He comes up in big moments." Portland had its chances to ruin the night for its rivals to the north. Portlands Darlington Nagbe had a shot from outside the box that was punched over the net by goalkeeper Michael Gspurning in the 88th minute. Andrew Jean-Baptistes header was caught by Gspurning in stoppage time. Gspurning was also forced to make a number of key saves in the first half, coming off his line to smother Ryan Johnson on a breakaway in the 16th minute and getting a bit of luck in the 37th minute when Diego Valeris shot from outside the box curled but hit the goalpost flush and ricocheted away. "Everyone knows were a good team. Its just a matter of showing it," Ryan Johnson said. "They finished their chances tonight and we didnt. I think next time, were going to come out on top." Brian Propp Flyers Jersey Authentic . He was 90. The team announced Monday that Adams had died, saying he "passed away peacefully from natural causes." The son of a prominent oil executive, Adams built his own energy fortune and founded the Houston Oilers. Authentic Customized Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys .com) - Charlie Davies netted a pair of goals, including the series-winner on Saturday, as the New England Revolution battled the New York Red Bulls to a 2-2 draw in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Championship at Gillette Stadium and advanced to MLS Cup final via a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory.Former Colorado Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk announced his retirement on Monday. "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. "I realized my lifelong dream of not only playing in the NHL but winning a Stanley Cup. My family and I are proud to call Denver home and are enjoying our time together." The 38-year-old native of the Czech Republic spent 14 seasons in the NHL, all with the Avalanche. "Milan was one of the most humble players I ever had the privilege of competing with," said Joe Sakic, the Avalanches Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations in a statement. "On the ice, he had one of the quickest and smoothest hands of any teammate I ever played with. His release, along with his hockey sense and vision, made him one of the premier goal scorers in the NHL during his prime. Milan was a true winner and would do anything he could to help our team win. He was a quiet leader who led by example andd always represented this organization and himself with class. Andrew MacDonald Flyers Jersey Authentic. " Hejduks career was a decorated one. The three-time All-Star won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001 and two Olympic medals (gold in 1998 and bronze in 2006). 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