Categories: MLSSeattle Sounders FCVancouver WhitecapsWestern Conference

Whitecaps take Cascadia Cup in draw with Sounders

Photo: Nate Koppelman

Seattle Sounders 2-2 Vancouver Whitecaps

SEATTLE, WA–Seattle Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps played to a 2-2 draw in a spirited affair at Lumen Field. The result means that the Whitecaps win the Cascadia Cup for 2025 while the Sounders still clinch a playoff spot with Colorado drawing and Houston losing on the night. However, Seattle’s chances for a top four seed now look remote as they are seven points adrift of LAFC with three matches left and Austin and Portland just two points behind them. The Whitecaps are level on points with San Diego (who lost at home to San Jose) atop the Western Conference with a match in hand.

All of the goals took place in a 17-minute span. Vancouver struck first as Thomas Müller sent a thru-ball to Brian White who shot past Stefan Frei in the 52nd minute. That lead lasted less than two minutes as Jackson Ragan headed in a corner from Albert Rusnak to level the score.

Photo: Paul Kahl

Parity itself would last 89 seconds as Albert Rusnak would smash home to make it 2-1 after a Jesus Ferreira pass defected off a defender to his feet. The Whitecaps would get the equalizer in the 69th minute as Manuel Laborda headed in a corner from Sebastian Berhalter.

Both teams had a chance to win it in stoppage time. The Sounders had two. Georgi Minoungou’s shot was cleared off the line by Ralph Priso while a rebound attempt by Cristian Roldan was saved by Yohei Takaoka.

It was honors even at the end in a spirited match that also became one of attrition as both Alex Roldan and Yeimar left in the first half with injuries while Brian White, himself returning from injury, had to be subbed in the 79th minute with a knock himself.

Another Cascadia Clash awaits for the Sounders, this time, it’s the Timbers coming up I-5 next Saturday in what will be a six-pointer for positioning in the table (7:30pm PT, Apple TV). The Whitecaps will play in the Canadian Championship Final against Vancouver FC on Wednesday at BC Place (7pm, ONE Soccer) before hosting San Jose on Sunday (3pm PT, Apple TV).

Photos by Paul Kahl and Nate Koppelman