In the midst of a four-game unbeaten streak, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are getting set to face Cascadia Cup rival Seattle Sounders FC this Saturday, October 9 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
The ‘Caps have had several thrilling encounters in the Emerald City against their I-5 rivals over the past decade in MLS play, featuring spectacular goals, memorable victories and a pair of Cascadia Cup wins.
To help get you set for Saturday’s match, we count down the Blue and White’s top five MLS moments in Seattle.
On their way to bringing home the 2016 Cascadia Cup, the 'Caps secured three points on the road at their cross-border rivals.
An early first half penalty kick from Pedro Morales, and a second late spot kick sent the travelling supporters home happy and the home supporters home salty.
The first-ever MLS clash between the two teams was nothing short of exciting.
Eric Hassli gave the ‘Caps the lead in the first half thanks to a well-taken spot kick, but Seattle would score twice three minutes apart late in the match to take a 2-1 lead.
However, the crowd at then-named CenturyLink Field was about to witness one of the best goals in MLS history.
Just a minute after Seattle scored the go-ahead goal, Hassli hit an incredible volley from a ridiculous angle from outside the box into the top left corner to give the ‘Caps the equalizer.
From that moment on, a historic rivalry started its next chapter in MLS.
In 2014, Kekuta Manneh called game as he skidded past an on rushing Sounders defender and calmly tucked away a left-footed strike past goalkeeper Stefan Frei to give the ‘Caps a 1-0 win in Seattle.
The win would help the ‘Caps claim their second consecutive Cascadia Cup and marked a key result in the Blue and White’s late run to claim a spot in the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Our second top ‘Caps MLS moment in Seattle belongs to Pa-Modou Kah for his incredible brace against the Sounders.
For the first goal, the Gambian centre-back volleyed home a loose ball into the bottom right corner.
If you thought the first goal was good, the second goal was even better, as ‘Caps winger Cristian Techera whipped in a low, driven cross into the box, which was back-heeled by Kah into the back of the net to give the ‘Caps a 2-0 lead.
For good measure, midfielder Pedro Morales made it 3-0 in the latter stages of the match with a stunning free kick from 35 yards out to secure all three points for the ‘Caps on a memorable night.
Our top ‘Caps MLS moment in Seattle is none other than Kekuta Manneh’s legendary hat-trick in 2013.
Manneh’s hat-trick, which came in a dominant 4-1 ‘Caps win, was the first in the club’s MLS history and also saw the Gambian winger win Player of the Week for his performance.
In terms of the match as a whole, the victory would eventually help the ‘Caps claim the club’s first Cascadia Cup in MLS history.
Be sure to catch the 'Caps write their next chapter in Seattle this Saturday, October 9 at 6 p.m. PT on TSN1/3/4 and AM730. Radio pre-game show starts at 5 p.m. PT.
