/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50317057/usa-today-9432702.0.jpg)
The Jordan Morris and Clint Dempsey partnership is bearing fruit for the Seattle Sounders.
Dempsey scored three goals in a 3-1 win over Orlando City SC at Camping World Stadium.
Here's goal number one:
Orlando City's lead lasts just 7 minutes as Dempsey scores his 4th goal of the season. #ORLvSEA https://t.co/KUFAwS1DMf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 7, 2016
Here's goal number two:
.@JmoSmooth13 ➡️ @clint_dempsey ⚽️ #ORLvSEA https://t.co/fUPdcv484t
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 8, 2016
Here's goal number three:
The Deuce is loose! First #MLS hat trick in over two years for @clint_dempsey. @HeinekenSoccer https://t.co/5e9YOnrO2S
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 8, 2016
Morris, a 21-year old rookie and semi-frequent national team call up, assisted on the latter two goals.
Outside of the veteran composure and "right place, right time" striker's instinct, Dempsey's three finishes were decidedly routine. However, as stated above, the takeaway from these goals is the chemistry that is being built between Dempsey and Morris.
Dempsey had a strong partnership with former Sounders striker Obafemi Martins, but the Nigerian moved to Shanghai Shenhua during the winter transfer window. At times this season, Dempsey and Morris have struggled to get on the same page, but it appears those days are over.
If their developing partnership continues to produce goals, then it should benefit both Seattle and the U.S. national team. Morris wasn't included in the Copa America Centenario roster, but it will be hard for Jurgen Klinsmann to keep him out of the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in September.
Now the question is, how do you fit Morris, Dempsey, and Bobby Wood on the field at the same time?