Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Seattle Sounders 1 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

The Vancouver Whitecaps picked up three beneficial points knocking off Cascadia rivals the Seattle Sounders with a 2-1 win. Poetically, it was Whitecaps Designated Player and longtime Sounder Fredy Montero who got both of the Whitecaps' goals. The match opener  was created by a Cristian Techera cross which Montero met at full speed with his head to push the ball past Stefan Frei. Montero scored again fifteen minutes later to give the 'Caps the cushion they needed. 

The two sides played cagey most of the match, but David Ousted had to make some incredible saves on Clint Dempsey attempts to keep the game within reach for the Whitecaps. Dempsey ended up hitting the woodwork twice. The Sounders got a late goal from Will Bruin to start a comeback attempt, and it took two goal-line clearances from the Whitecaps to keep all three points. 

Goals 

• 65' - VAN - Fredy Montero Watch
• 80' - VAN - Fredy Montero Watch
• 89' - SEA - Will Bruin Watch

Three Things

OUSTED STANDS TALL: Dempsey and Ousted had their own game within a game, with Montero's heroism only possible because of two earlier Dempsey-Ousted moments. In the first half it was Dempsey seeing Ousted off his line an unleashing a chip from deep that Ousted got fingertips to on its path to the crossbar. In the second half Dempsey had his eyes set on sneaking the ball just inside the far post, but Ousted got down for a likely Save of the Week candidate.

12 v 13: With the teams coming out in matching formations, it's worth noting that the 'Caps found a way to Montero, while the Sounders' best attacks came from the attacking midfielders. In fact, Sounders forward Jordan Morris was completely taken out of the game by the Whitecaps back line, failing to get a shot attempt off over ninety minutes of play. 

DEMPSEY UNLUCKY: 
Hitting the woodwork twice and having another great attempt met by an ever greater save keeps up an unfortunate statistic for Dempsey. In what was his fourth attempt, Dempsey once again failed to score against the Whitecaps. They're one of only two teams in MLS he hasn't scored against in a minimum of three appearances.

Next Up

• VAN: Saturday, April 22 - at Portland Timbers (4:00 pm ET | CTV, MLS LIVE) 
• SEA: Sunday, April 23 - at LA Galaxy (4:00 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes, MLS LIVE in Canada)