Major League Soccer Week 18: Union Retake Eastern Conference Lead

“We have been working around the clock to do everything in our powers to keep the field as dry as possible,” said Paul Barber, Vancouver Whitecaps FC chief executive officer. “Unfortunately, the combination of consistent rain and limited drainage options available for a temporary grass field has left us no other choice but to postpone today’s match. Tickets for today’s game will be valid for the rescheduled match and we will work directly with all ticket holders who are unable to attend the new date. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”

Well, Gary Smith, for one. The Rapids coach elected to leave his left winger at home, leaving us with just a mildly interesting game between two teams jockeying for position in the Western Conference.

This was supposed to have Game of the Week written all over it, as Brian Mullan was expected to make his long-awaited return to Century Link Field where he would presumably be showered in boos. Gary Smith had different ideas, though, and left his somewhat ailing left midfielder at home. You can see why Smith might not feel his team needs any distractions as they’ve won just 3 of 17 since starting out 3-0-0. His team is slowly returning to health, but they will face a Sounders team that is playing as good as any other in the league. Pick: Sounders 2-1.