The Vancouver Whitecaps had the look of a team intent on winning their final game at Empire Field, their MLS home during their inaugural season in the league. The Seattle Sounders looked like a team doomed to be punished by a terrible start and an inspired opponent.
Unfortunately for the Whitecaps, they could only manage a single goal during their early-game domination, which allowed the Sounders to recover from their slow start to rattle off three goals and post a convincing 3-1 victory on Saturday night.
Colombian striker Fredy Montero played the role of hero for Seattle, scoring a pair of goals and spear-heading a Sounders attack that took advantage of defensive breakdowns by the Vancouver defense.
The victory helped the Sounders lift the Cascadia Cup, awarded to the team with the best record in games between Seattle, Portland and Vancouver.
Kasey Keller was key for Seattle, recording a plethora of early saves as Vancouver controlled the early going. Camilo Sanvezzo broke through in the 22nd minute off a pass from Davide Chiumiento, but the Whitecaps failed to beat Keller again despite a handful of great chances, all halted by stellar Keller saves.
Brad Evans scored the equalizer for Seattle in the 30th minute on a penalty kick, and with the match still in doubt, Montero broke down Vancouver with a pair of second-half goals just four minutes apart, including a beautiful game-winning finish and long-range insurance strike.
It was a night to forget for Jay DeMerit. The Whitecaps defender gave up the penalty, had a bad clearance that led to Montero's first goal, then saw Montero's third goal deflect off him before beating Joe Cannon.
Here are the match highlights.
What did you think of Seattle's performance? See the Sounders being an MLS Cup threat? Think the Whitecaps have something to build on for 2012, or will new head coach Martin Rennie have a serious rebuilding job to do?
Share your thoughts below.
