SEATTLE, WA – “Hopefully someone will step up and become a hero.”
Those were the words of Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson this week ahead of Thursday’s second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals vs. Seattle Sounders FC (7:30 p.m. PT on TSN5 and TSN 1040 radio). There are certainly no shortage of candidates on either side.
It could be Fredy Montero, the former Sounder who shocked MLS with a move to Vancouver. It could be Clint Dempsey, the U.S. national team star who is set to return from suspension. Or maybe even one of the goalkeepers, especially if the match goes to a penalty shootout.
If recent events are any indication, however, you probably won’t want to bet against Whitecaps FC centre back Kendall Waston and his Sounders FC counterpart Roman Torres. Just last month, both players scored the goals that sent their respective countries to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Waston scored a dramatic 95th-minute header to secure Costa Rica’s qualification, and just three days later, Torres buried a flying, half-volley in the 87th minute to clinch Panama’s first-ever World Cup berth. Did we mention they’re both centre backs?
You can watch the goals below.
¡GRACIAS KENDALL! GOLAZO
— Teletica Deportes (@TeleticaTD7) October 8, 2017
Más: https://t.co/CeQ5ORxbG0pic.twitter.com/dzIUWdLcFe
🇵🇦 Relive the greatest goal in Panamá's History by Román Torres
— MyNationalTeam (@mynationalteam) October 11, 2017
en español y con toda la pasión 🛫 🇷🇺 #SomosLaSelepic.twitter.com/md8MhhGXup
Waston (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) and Torres (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) are two of the most imposing physical players in MLS. They’ve had some great battles over the years with their clubs and countries, particularly on set pieces when they’re often lined up opposite to one another.
And you can expect another one on Thursday night.
