As 1-1 draws go, this was a game that in no way can be described as stale. Solid chances, double yellows and a penalty to boot. Enjoy a 'Framed' offering from Vancouver as the Whitecaps took on the Seattle Sounders.
Vancouver Whitecaps and the Seattle Sounders. Two sides that have spanned the MLS that go toe-to-toe when it comes to emphatic fans. On the pitch, this was a match that saw Seattle Sounders travel to Vancouver in search of a cemented place at the top of the MLS Western Conference. A Cascadia Cup match-up, we're hitting squeaky bum time in the MLS season as the hunt for a playoff position is very much priority. Despite both sides looking strong in their respective positions, this game on paper is a mouth watering proposition and regardless of the resulting low scoreline, it wasn't without it's talking points.
With BC Place the backdrop, the fans only had to wait until the 19th minute before when Nicolás Lodeiro broke the deadlock from the spot. A needless penalty, duly tucked away, it saw Seattle take a lead that lasted into half time and beyond though it wasn't plain sailing one way traffic as the home side poured on the pressure. Some spectacular saves and equally nervy moments ensued and finding their way back into the game, Vancouver levelled proceedings on the 64th minute. A strong, battling move from the Whitecaps set up for a powerful end to end culmination of the game and once more each side went the distance in trying to take the lead. Alas, cancelling one another out, it was honours even as both sides did enough to leave with a point shared.
This was a game not short of entertainment as two teams were gunning for a position in the MLS playoffs. Now the fixtures come fast as we head into a season finale. All eyes on both of these outfits as clearly there's a lot of give in the locker.
Photography by Alexander Elms
