By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Sounders FC Take 3-0 lead in Leg One of CONCACAF Round of 16 Cup tie with Whitecaps

A brace by Paul Arriola, a year and a day to a horrific injury, led the Sounders to a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in BC Place

The visiting Seattle Sounders started on the front foot and took the game to the Vancouver Whitecaps, who sleepwalked through the early stages of the contest.    Winger Arriola was active on the wing, as was Synder Brunell, who tucked in behind him. The pair profited early from head coach Brian Schmetzer’s high press, which created a half-chance. Arriola nearly gave the Sounders the sought-after away goal in the 14th minute.

Brunell slotted a slide rule pass across the goal from the right flank to  Arriola, who was wide open in the Whitecaps’ goal mouth.  The outstretched arm of Whitecaps keeper Yehei Takaoka saved Arriola’s right-footed shot. The Sounders’ continued high pressure gave them the lion’s share of possession, but the visitors were unable to create any meaningful chances.

WHITECAPS GET A  FOOTHOLD IN THE GAME

A tactical switch by Whitecaps coach Jesper Sørensen saw the home side flip the script on the Sounders with a high press. With the Sounders struggling under pressure, the Whitecaps pulled off.  Thomas Mueller’s header in the 26th minute went just wide of the Sounders’ goal, Kenji Cabrera’s right-footed shot six minutes later was blocked, and Edier Ocampo’s left-footed shot in the 33rd minute was blocked as well.

GOAL OUT OF NOWHERE

It looked as if it was a matter of when, not if, the Whitecaps would score as they continued their assault on the Sounders.  The game turned on its head when Ferreria intercepted a pass and sped down the right side and slid a pass to a wide-open Arriola for a 1-0 lead with two minutes before halftime.

WHITECAPS DOMINATE  EARLY POSSESSION

  The Whitecaps continued their dominance of possession but were unable to find a way through the Sounders’ compact, resolute defence. Staying compact and resolute allowed the Sounders to counter as a group and double their lead in the 58th minute. Osaze DeRosario’s outlet pass to a speeding Kosa-Rienze on the right flank saw him cut inside and lay the ball into the box to an onrushing Arrola. The pass was intercepted by Takaoka, who saw it Careem back to Arriola, who slammed it into the back of the net for the 2-0 lead.

A BRILLIANT SAVE LEADS TO A GOAL

A Stefan Frei save in the 69th minute, the Sounders doubled their lead on another counterattack goal. After the goal, Schmetzer wasted no time in bringing on fresh legs to close out the game. In the 61st minute, Arriola was replaced by  Paul Rothrock, and   De Rosario made way for  Danny Musovski. A Stefan Frei show-stopping save in the 69th minute saw the Sounders put the game to bed for all intents and purposes. With fresh legs on the field, the Sounders continued to push the ball up the field and stretched the lead to 3-0 after Frei’s corner kick. Cristian Roldan sprinted down the left flank, then laid a pass into the Whitecaps box, which was too fast for a streaking Musoviski, but not for a fleeing Rothrock on the far side. Rothrock slammed the ball into the back of the net.

TAKE AWAYS

The Sounders stayed compact on defense and offense, which allowed them to counter with efficient, precise finishing.   The ability to withstand pressure was another key to the victory. Arriola’s play is the main storyline, but I would argue that Ferreria had a major impact on the game. His defensive prowess led to the Sounders’ first goal, and his energy alongside Synder Brunell cleared the runway for Arriola’s brace.

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