Erik Friberg (pictured) scored the game-winning goal for the Seattle Sounders in a MLS Cup playoff match against the visiting LA Galaxy on October 28, 2015. (Photo: Josh Weisberg)

SEATTLE, Washington – It was a heavyweight battle disputed by two 2015/16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinalists in one of North American football’s greatest venues.

A seesaw contest between the Seattle Sounders and visiting LA Galaxy before 35,537 fans at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday night lived up to the hype. Although it was “only” a knockout game for the right to progress to the MLS Cup Western Conference semifinals, the occasion had the feel and fire of a final. Not even the rain could extinguish the competitive flame.

United States international Clint Dempsey put the host ahead 1-0 in the fifth minute, only for Sebastian Lletget to equalize a minute later. Paraguay star Nelson Valdez reestablished Seattle’s advantage in the 12th minute, but another U.S. national teamer – Gyasi Zardes – leveled by the time an additional 10 minutes had elapsed.

Could the exchange of goals continue at such a feverish pace?

Of course not, but the encounter roared on in a fashion expected of two quality clubs.

Then, in the 73rd minute, Erik Friberg appeared with all the certainty of the sun rising in the east. After LA struggled to clear a cross played into its box with a pair of awkward headers, the 29-year-old unleashed a pile driver from 20-yards out into the right-side netting.

Stalemate stunningly shattered. The Sounders’ progression assured.

“It felt pretty good,” said the understated Swede, when asked how it felt as soon as he struck the ball.

Yeah, right, just like winning the lottery would be “OK” for your bank account.

On this extraordinary evening, Friberg’s left foot proved to be Seattle’s ticket to the next playoff round. The game’s initial insanity gave way to the midfielder’s restoration of order, reminding the Galaxy that repeating as champion is never an easy task.

“I mean it was a pretty crazy first 40 minutes,” Friberg remarked. “It was chances for both teams all the time it felt like on the field.

“The important thing is that we won the game and now we continue and, hopefully, we can play a good game on Sunday, too.”

The victory extended the Sounders’ unbeaten run in MLS play to nine games. That streak is one in which Friberg -- who also scored in a 2-1 SCCL win over Olimpia on August 19 -- would like to see continue in the two-legged series against FC Dallas.

“It was a long time since we lose a game now, so that’s very good,” he finished. “It’s just continue to play our game as we did in the second half.”

The same type of play that has led to outstanding performances recently could yield domestic honors in December and, perhaps, a SCCL crown next year.