By Bob Mackin
- BATTLE WITH SEATTLE
The 15-7-8 Whitecaps concluded the regular season on Saturday with a 3-2 win over the Seattle Sounders in Tukwila, Wash. It was the 111th and perhaps final renewal of the I-5 rivalry because the Sounders move to Major League Soccer in 2009.
- LE TOUX'S 'LE BUT'
Seattle's Sebastien Le Toux scored in the 10th minute, with help from Roger Levesque. The Whitecaps exploded with three markers in 13 minutes by Eduardo Sebrango (54th minute), Justin Moose (57th) and Jeff Clarke (67th). Sounder Kevin Sakuda replied in the 69th.
- THE BUZZ
The second place Vancouver Whitecaps will open the United Soccer Leagues' First Division playoffs on Friday (Sept. 26) at home against seventh place Minnesota Thunder.
- UP NEXT
The Puerto Rico Islanders wrapped up the Commissioner's Cup and first-round bye with a 1-1 tie with the Atlanta Silverbacks on Friday night. The Whitecaps opted to begin the two-game, total goals series at home and will visit Minnesota on Sunday. Vancouver, whose only USL championship was in 2006, is in its 12th consecutive post-season.
