Photo by Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
Needing a win to maintain their spot among the playoff contenders, the Vancouver Whitecaps put together a season-defining performance against the Seattle Sounders.
Entering the game trailing the rival Portland Timbers in the standings, the Whitecaps shut down the high-powered Sounders offense in a 1-0 victory Friday to earn the Whitecaps the Cascadia Cup, playoff positioning, and recognition as SBI MLS Team of the Week.
It was a stifling defensive effort from the Whitecaps, who limited the Sounders to just two shots on target after the Western Conference leaders had scored eight goals in their prior two games. A Kekutah Manneh finish proved to be just enough for the Caps, who moved back into a playoff position with just two games remaining in the regular season.
The Whitecaps beat out FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew for this week’s honors.
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What did you think of the Whitecaps performance? Which team stood out to you during MLS Week 31?
Share your thoughts below.
Well-earned—but I think I’d award Team of the Week to Kendall Waston. That guy is as big as and played as seven people put together.
WHITE—CAPS
Don’t blow the next two games. They’re winnable.
The “everybody gets a trophy” trophy.
Whitecaps have been punching above their weight for weeks now, beating Seattle 1-0 away is the icing on the cake. Congrats!