Jamaica-born Cunningham now MLS' all-time scoring leader

SEATTLE, Washington (CMC):

A record-breaking goal from Jamaica-born forward Jeff Cunningham was the only bright spot for the Columbus Crew, when the Seattle Sounders lived up their name, soundly beating them 6-2 on Saturday in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 35-year-old Cunningham, a 14-year veteran of the MLS, came on as a second-half substitute and converted a 59th-minute penalty kick for his 134th career goal, eclipsing Jaime Moreno's all-time mark.

Cunningham got his chance, after a foul on Emilio Renter'a, cutting the deficit to 4-1, but celebrations were shortlived, as the Sounders continued to attack and gave the Crew a sound whipping.

"(The Crew organisation) have been very supportive," Cunningham told MLSsoccer.com. "I couldn't have done it without them.

"There was a good chance I was going to have surgery this week with the problems with my knee. It was a question at one point if I could continue with my season."

Inflammation

Cunningham has been sidelined since July 23 because of inflammation in his right knee and team doctors told him two weeks ago that he had to consider arthroscopic surgery if there was no improvement.

"I'm excited about it," he said. "It's very difficult to score goals in this league. I don't really mind that it was a penalty kick. A goal's a goal.

"I didn't think it would take this long into the season, but I feel very proud and humbled right now. To have the goalscoring record is an honour. It's been 14 years of hard work and some ups and downs."