SEATTLE, WA – Vancouver Whitecaps FC gun for their first win when they visit Seattle Sounders FC in the first Cascadia Cup fixture of the season.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1410 | SEA TO SKY KIT: Shop now
Here are three storylines for the match as the two sides add another chapter to their storied rivalry.
CASCADIA CUP
The last time Vancouver and Seattle squared off in MLS play, the Sounders dethroned the 'Caps as Cascadia Cup champions at BC Place.
Today, Whitecaps FC get a chance at redemption when the 2016 version of the in-season competition between the league's three Pacific Northwest clubs kicks off.
'Caps fans have fond memories of CenturyLink Field - including last season's 3-0 road win in front of 53,125 stunned Sounders FC fans, winning their second consecutive Cascadia Cup in 2014 on Seattle's home pitch, and Kekuta Manneh's hat trick on the road in 2013. Can the Blue and White provide an encore performance?
URGENCY ON BOTH SIDES
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wdWtk11m0D8"></a> |
<b>Kah stuns CenturyLink Field faithful with his two-goal performance</b> |
It's only Week 3 but getting points would already be paramount for both sides.
The two Western Conference favourites have stumbled out of the gates, each catching a pair of losses to start the year.
But thanks to their experienced rosters, neither side is panicking.
The 'Caps will rely on the calm nerves of goalkeeper David Ousted, defender Kendall Waston and captain Pedro Morales.
Lining up opposite them are midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, and strikers Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez.
"Something's got to give," Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson said at training this week.
HOME FIELD DISADVANTAGE?
In the last four MLS matches between the ‘Caps and Sounders FC, the road team has won each time, with the home team failing to score.
The home side has won only one match of the last seven MLS fixtures between the two clubs.
Can the 'Caps continue the trend or will Seattle turn the tide? Tune in tonight on TSN1 at 7 p.m. to find out.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
