The Seattle Sounders finally looked like the defending MLS Champions Sunday night in a convincing 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Sounders needed a win to advance to the round of 16 after a tie and a loss in there previous two games.
The Sounders started on the front footed as soon as the whistle blew. No surprise there from a team in a win or go home contest against Cascadia rival Vancouver Whitecaps. The Sounders nearly grabbed the early goal in the 7th minute on a Jordan Morris shot.
With the majority of the possession, the Whitecaps looked like they would be first to score in the 12th minute. After earning a corner kick the chance went begging when Vancouver midfielder Leonard Owuss was left wide open, but his header was wide of the goal.
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
The Sounders aggressiveness paid off in the 15th minute when Whitecaps defender
Jasser Khmiri was whistled for a handball and issued a yellow card for the infraction.
Nicolas Lodeiro converted the penalty kick for the 1-0 lead.
The Sounders continued to attack the Whitecaps defense with quick outlets to build the counterattack. The Rave Green counterattack proved lethal in the 33rd minute when Lodeiro fed a streaking Morris down the left flank for the 2-0 lead.
The Sounders had 35% possession 4 shots on goal while the Whitecaps had 65% of the ball and managed just one shot on goal
THE SECOND HALF
Sounders were patient, deliberate, and intentional with the ball in the second half. The heavy-footed Whitecaps gave up the third goal in the 51st minute when Morris flicked on a corner kick to a wide-open Raul Ruidiaz.
QUICK TAKES
Sounders forward Jordan Morris speed was the difference in the game. His ability to sprint to the end line on offense opened up the middle of the Whitecaps defense giving Ruidiaz space and Lodeiro time with the ball. Handwalla Bwana played a solid game at right wing holding on to the ball and tracking back on defense.
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