Blaise Nkufo's deflected goal in the 88th minute lifted the Seattle Sounders to a 1-0 victory over the slumping Chicago Fire on Saturday night.
Nkufo, in his seventh game for Seattle, raced down the left side after taking Steve Zakuani's pass, and fired a 12-yard shot that deflected off Chicago defender C.J. Brown before eluding goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
Seattle, bidding for a second playoff berth in as many MLS seasons, is 3-1-1 in its past five matches. Chicago has lost four straight and is winless in its past seven (0-5-2).
The Sounders pressed Chicago in the final 35 minutes, beginning with Zakuani's 18-yard shot that skidded wide of an open net. Seven minutes later, Johnson was forced to adjust to make a difficult save on Fredy Montero's deflected shot.
Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who made five saves, collected his 11th victory and 11th shutout.
