The Seattle Sounders survived a first-half scare to beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 and earn the inaugural Cascadia Cup in the process. With very little to play for, having already earned a playoff berth, the Sounders started very flat at Empire Field and the hosts took full advantage of it, creating several chances before Camilo Sanvezzo but them 1-0 up in the 21st minute. The lead was deserved, but it wouldn't hold - Jay DeMerit conceded a penalty with a handball in the box and Brad Evans tucked it away to draw Seattle back into the tie.The first half would end locked at 1-1.
Vancouver Whitecaps Vs. Seattle Sounders: Fredy Montero Powers Seattle To 3-1 Win
The second was another story entirely - both teams began frenetically, with Lamar Neagle hitting the crossbar and Kasey Keller having to rely on some poor decision making from Mustapha Jarju to keep Vancouver's tally at one. Before long, however, Fredy Montero would make his mark on the game. The Colombian designated player's first goal was something special, featuring perfect control, anticipation and a finish that left Joe Cannon with absolutely no hope. His second, scored shortly thereafter, was somewhat less lucky - it was a simple deflected shot that looped off DeMerit and nestled into the top corner.
That made it 3-1, and the Sounders were suddenly having fun. They hit the woodwork twice more through substitute Samuel Ochoa and Neagle again, and continued to search for goals until Jair Marrufo blew for full time. As for the Whitecaps, they probably deserved better. The hosts played pretty well and were the better team for most of the first half, but failed to take advantage of having Seattle on the back foot and didn’t kill off the game when they could have. This was Empire Field’s final game - Vancouver will be moving next week - so at least it was an entertaining enough sendoff for the temporary structure.
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