Sounders Clinch Playoff Spot with Win over Whitecaps

Vancouver Whitecaps 0-2 Seattle Sounders

PORTLAND, OR–In each of their previous eleven seasons, Seattle Sounders FC have made the playoffs. That streak will continue after a 2-0 win for the Sounders over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Providence Park. As far as North American sports go, only the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League have a longer postseason streak at 14 consecutive seasons.

The win puts the Sounders two points clear of Sporting Kansas City at the top of the Western Conference while Vancouver remain in seventh–pending Wednesday’s action.

After a forgettable first half that saw just one shot on target, Nouhou Tolo send a pinpoint cross to Raul Ruidiaz who would beat goalkeeper Evan Bush for an easy finish and an opening score. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but VAR showed that Ruidiaz was indeed onside as the cross was played and the goal stood.

Six minutes later, Ruidiaz turned provider as he charged into the box and fed Nicolas Lodeiro to make it 2-0 and for his sixth goal all-time against the Whitecaps, who would not manage a shot on target all night and only four shots at all.

“Even when things are tough, that group, they stick together,” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said during a video conference call with media. “So, I’m awfully, awfully proud of this particular version of the Sounders and I’m awfully proud of the club for the success that we’ve had in getting into the playoffs (the past) 12 years.”

The Sounders will now look to consolidate top spot in the West starting with a home match against Colorado on Sunday at 5:30pm PT.

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