Another step backwards: Sounders split points with Whitecaps after late penalty equalizer for Vancouver

By Charles Hamaker 

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders FC couldn’t revive their positive momentum from a week that saw them defeat Louisville City FC in dramatic fashion in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 and then defeat rivals Portland Timbers FC, after following to Real Salt Lake on the road earlier this week, as the Rave Green split points at home against their rivals to the North, the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Sounders carried a goal lead throughout the majority of this match and nearly through the entire game for the victory, but a late penalty called against Nouhou gave the Whitecaps just enough of a window to get back into the game, and that they did as Ryan Gauld beat Stefan Frei to equalize and split points in this Cascadia contest under the rain. A draw is certainly better than another loss this season, as the Sounders notably struggled so much early into the year, but so often a failure to maintain a lead to collect all three points can end up making all the difference for clubs that are trying to make the postseason and overcome a bad stretch of the season in doing so.  

Seattle Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris scored the lone goal of the match for the club, coming in the 8th minute. (Photo by Paul Kahl)

Seattle’s positive momentum sees a first half lead 

The Sounders were able to start this match off with some life, trying to wipe away any of the bad thoughts from the midweek loss on the road to Real Salt Lake, who currently sit atop the Western Conference in MLS. Seattle got a corner in just the second minute and proceeded to get more than a few attempts on Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka within the first eight minutes, and that pressure applied by the Sounders pushed through to get them on the board first. A chaotic goal came from chaotic buildup, as Obed Vargas sent a high looping cross into the box that a Sounders teammate couldn’t properly redirect towards goal, but Seattle was able to somewhat keep possession before a second shot glanced off a Whitecaps defender and back to Vargas who had come into the box. The young midfielder put an attempt on goal by Vancouver keeper Yohei Takaoka made a brilliant save, only for the rebound to pop right out to a waiting Jordan Morris who tucked the ball away to score his second goal of the season. The Whitecaps nearly equalized just two minutes later as a dangerous header went far post, but a diving Stefan Frei in goal for the Sounders denied the response goal. There was little if anything following that chance for Seattle or Vancouver, and we went to the half with a lead for the home side.  

An unfortunate turn of events results in split points 

The second half began with the Sounders picking up where they had left off, as Seattle was able to get a few looks against the Whitecaps coming off a corner in the 56th minute, but their allergies towards finishing remained present and their lead still sat at the one goal from Morris in the first half. It looked as though a second goal was on it’s way for the Sounders at some point in this second half, as it was Seattle who was finding the dangerous possession after the halfway mark of the match but falling just short every time to be able to go ahead and double their lead. With the positive momentum of those chances and Jordan Morris’ goal behind them, things only looked to be further in the Sounders favor when they subbed on Pedro de La Vega for his first minutes since early March, and just five minutes after he hit the pitch the Argentinian midfielder had a header attempt go off the woodwork. Just a minute before, Jordan Morris nearly had a second goal on a header attempt, but his ball towards net was blocked by a Whitecaps defender that appeared to put his arm into a chicken-wing-esque position to narrowly block the ball, and despite it being in the box and potentially game changing, there was no review and play went on. This none call and the frustration from what it could’ve led to set the stage for what we’d eventually see in extra time of this match.  

Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Ryan Gauld converts on a penalty in the 90+4 minute of the match to split points with the Seattle Sounders FC. (Photo by Paul Kahl)

Vancouver was getting a late push against Seattle going in the dying moments of this match, and the Sounders were largely holding things together as they denied the different opportunities that the Whitecaps threw at them, besides one play that did change the entire match. Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter attempted a shot just outside of the Sounders box, and Seattle defender Nouhou lunged forward towards Berhalter to block the shot and successfully did so, getting up with excitement to celebrate the big moment in the match that should’ve been a triumph for his club. Instead, because of where Nouhou was on the field when he blocked the shot (just within the box), play was stopped, and it was reviewed by VAR for a penalty. After head official Víctor Rivas gave Vancouver the penalty, announced over the PA system at Lumen Field without an explanation of the call itself, Whitecaps forward Ryan Gauld stepped up to take the penalty and beat Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei to even this match and celebrate his second goal in as many matches against the Sounders this year, much to the anger of the Rave Green faithful in attendance. After the equalizer, Seattle was able to get a heartbreakingly close chance as Pedro de La Vega had a shot hit the woodwork for the second time in this match, but nothing else came to fruition or anywhere near dangerous, and the final whistle signaled a draw for these two Cascadia rivals.  

What’s next?

Following tonight’s 1-1 draw at Lumen Field to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, remaining winless against Vancouver through two matches and until their final contest of the season against one another until early October, the Seattle Sounders FC will get a few days between their next contest, which comes in U.S. Open Cup play. The Sounders will host the Phoenix Rising FC in Round of 16 action, after Seattle vanquished Louisville City FC in the Round of 32 at Starfire Sports Complex back on May 8th. That Round of 16 contest comes on Wednesday, May 22nd at the Starfire Sports Complex with a kickoff time of 7:30PM PDT that will be broadcast on the USL, U.S. Open Cup, and U.S. soccer websites if you aren’t attending the match in person. The Sounders barely escaped with a win against Louisville in the last round on penalties in dramatic fashion, so it’ll be interesting to see how they do and what sort of lineup they roll out against a top USL Championship side such as Phoenix.

Check out photographer Paul Kahl’s photos from the match here