Seattle Sounders x Vancouver Whitecaps

The Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps played to a 1-1 draw at Lumen Field on Saturday night. Jordan Morris opened the scoring for Seattle just nine minutes in, capitalizing on a rebound from a save by Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. Obed Vargas initiated the play with a threatening cross that led to the shot. Shortly after, Sounders' keeper Stefan Frei made a crucial diving save on a Brian White header to maintain Seattle's lead.

The second half saw limited chances for both sides until the closing minutes. Morris nearly scored a second goal in the 80th minute, but his header off a Vargas cross was deflected out for a corner. Pedro de la Vega, making his first appearance in over two months due to a hamstring injury, almost made an immediate impact by hitting the crossbar with a flicked-on header. Vancouver was handed a lifeline in stoppage time when referee Victor Rivas awarded a penalty kick for a handball on Nouhou. Ryan Gauld converted the penalty to equalize, and Nouhou was subsequently sent off with a second yellow card.

Despite the late drama, the match ended in a draw. The Sounders had one final opportunity in the eighth minute of stoppage time when de la Vega hit the post again. Vancouver remains unbeaten in the Cascadia Cup standings with a 2-0-1 record, while Seattle adds another point to their tally. The draw marked a hard-fought battle between the two rivals, with both teams showcasing resilience and determination.

[Photography by Erick Ramirez]