The Seattle Sounders defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 on Wednesday night at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Georgi Minoungou’s first career MLS goal set the tone early on before an Albert Rusnák penalty and Paul Rothrock dagger in quick succession in the second half gave the Sounders all three points.
The Sounders took the lead in the 14th minute when Minoungou cashed in on a corner kick, one that ensued from a foul he had initially drawn. Rusnák whipped in a great cross that found the head of Jordan Morris, who redirected it to the back post where Minoungou used his body to guide it in from one yard out.
Stefan Frei kept the Sounders level in the 19th minute when he dove to his right to parry away a tricky first-timed effort from Sebastian Berhalter, whose shot took a deflection off the leg of Nouhou.
The ‘Caps almost equalized in the 25th minute when Pedro Vite picked out Sam Adekugbe at the back post, but the Canadian fullback scuffed his first-timed attempt into the ground and bounced over the crossbar.
Nouhou made an incredible goal-line clearance in the 58th minute to keep Vancouver off the scoreboard. Frei charged to his right for a challenge, but Adekugbe got there first and dropped a ball to Vite, who thought he had the equalizer before Nouhou deflected the shot out wide.
Rothrock earned a penalty for the Sounders in the 64th minute when he was taken down by Ranko Veselinović. Rusnák stepped up and calmly converted the ensuing penalty, beating goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka to his bottom right.
Rothrock iced the match in the 67th minute when he capped a brilliant counterattack. Morris flicked on a header to Rusnák, who picked out the run of Rothrock down the left side before he slotted his finish far post.
Morris almost added a fourth goal in the 75th minute when he was played in behind, but an onrushing Takaoka denied Morris’ attempt.
Frei got down quickly in the 77th minute for a great stop on Brian White to preserve the shutout. Frei reached double-digit clean sheets in a single season for the fifth time in his career, which ties the legendary Nick Rimando for most all-time.
The Whitecaps were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute when Fafà Picault picked up his second yellow card and was sent off.
The Sounders finished the evening third in the Western Conference with 53 points from 32 matches. They are an impressive 11-2-2 in their last 15 matches.
Seattle will visit the Colorado Rapids on Saturday (6:30 p.m. PT, Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV) in the penultimate match of the regular season.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Minoungou opens his account
The game’s opening goal was the first in Minoungou’s MLS career. The 22-year-old Ivorian made just his third start for the First Team.
Roldan makes club history
Midfielder Cristian Roldan made his 340th appearance in all competitions to move into second on the Sounders’ all-time list. Roldan trails only current teammate Frei (381).
Cascadia Cup up for grabs
The Sounders move into a tie for second place in the Cascadia Cup with the Portland Timbers with seven points. Both Seattle and Portland trail Vancouver (eight points), but the longtime fierce rivals will square off at Lumen Field on Decision Day to determine the 2024 winner.
