4:1 New York Seattle Wright-Phillips 3 Cahill Dempsey 09.20.14 · League

Before the season, who knew what we would get out of Bradley Wright-Phillips? And even as the season started, and he mixed bench appearances with indifferent starts, many (surely, not including us?) were ready to write him off as a too-expensive washed-up mercenary. In any case, no one could have expected this. Wright-Phillips scored his third hat-trick of the season, leading Metro to a fantastic 4:1 win over road-weary Seattle.

Mike Petke made three changes for the lineup from a week ago. Roy Miller and Ambroise Oyongo returned from international duty to reclaim their spots on the left side of the field, meaning Armando's terrible haircut stayed on the bench. Peguy Luyindula also missed out, as Eric Alexander slid into the middle. Wright-Phillips returned from his injuty to start up front for Tim Cahill.

Amazingly, the scoring started half a minute into the match. After Seattle kicked off, an idiotic pass in midfield sprung the Metro attack. The ball got to the right side and Lloyd Sam, who centered it into the box. There, Wright-Phillips touched it, and it fell to Ambroise Oyongo. The Cameroonian took a shot that Stefan Frei parried, but the ball rebounded to BWP, who pierced the net. His 22nd of the season gave them the all-time team record for goals in all competitions in a single year (granted, all of his were scored in league play).

Both teams had their share of chances in the first half, but the second goal didn't come until nine minutes into the second. Sam raced up the right flank and cut inside into the box, where he was brought down by a Seattle defender. Referee Alan Kelly, who we will never forgive for a moronic penalty call earlier this year, did not make a mistake this time. Wright-Phillips went to his left; Frei got a hand on it, but the strong shot still ended in the back of the net.

Two minutes later, the game became academic. Miller made a run on the left, and sent a long, low bouncer into the box, that Wright-Phillips one-timed past Frei for a terrific end point to his-track. Petke took him out right after.

Seattle's Clint Dempsey pulled one back in the 62nd, but three minutes after, Tim Cahill restored the three-goal margin. This time it was Oyongo's turn to take it up the left. He centered into the box, where a lazy touch by a defender left the ball at the feet of Cahill. The Australian hit it off the post and in.

Seattle's best attempt the rest of the way ended with terrific play from Luis Robles. After the Metro keeper saved the initial long shot, Dempsey flew into the area and attempted the follow-up. Somehow, Robles gathered up to deny the attacker from close range.

So, somehow, the team is now unbeaten in four league matches. There are five of those left... still more than enough time for anything to happen. And this time, we're willing to bet that Wright-Phillips will play an important role.

Lineup: Robles, Miller, Olave, Sekagya, Duvall, Oyongo, McCarty, Alexander, Sam, Wright-Phillips, Henry. Subs: Cahill, Christianson, Stevenson.