Score: Sounders FC 0 vs. Whitecaps FC 1
Site: CenturyLink Field
Records: Sounders FC (19-10-3, 60 points). Vancouver Whitecaps FC (11-8-13, 46 points).
Man of the Match: Micheal Azira continued his strong play in a starting role. For the third consecutive match, he asserted himself well in the middle of the midfield with Osvaldo Alonso. The 27-year-old has started just six matches this season, but has shown considerable progress throughout his first MLS campaign.
Telling Stat: 3. After scoring eight goals over the last two matches, Sounders FC was only able to muster three shots on goal against Vancouver on Friday. With their two defensive midfielders, the Whitecaps clogged Seattle’s best attacking channel up the middle of the field.
What You Missed: Prior to the match, Sounders legend Alan Hudson was honored as a Golden Scarf recipient. A star in the NASL era, Hudson was among over 85 alums on hand Friday to commemorate the club’s 40th anniversary. He played in Seattle from 1979-1983 and was included in the club’s All-Time Best XI, which was unveiled at the match. Additionally, Sounders FC wore black armbands to honor the original coach of the 1974 Sounders of the NASL, John Best, who passed away this week.
So What: Sounders FC remains in the lead in the Supporters’ Shield standings for the time being, although the LA Galaxy plays on Sunday against FC Dallas. Friday's shutout ends point streaks for Clint Dempsey (eight matches) and Lamar Neagle (six matches) as Seattle enters the final two games of the season. With its victory, Vancouver wins the Cascadia Cup for the second straight season, finishing two points ahead of Seattle in the three-team competition, which also includes the Portland Timbers.
