Sounders look to continue positive form in Cascadia matchup with Whitecaps

Kelyn Rowe tries to get past a defender

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders will play their first Cascadia Cup matchup of the 2022 season as they welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to Lumen Field. The June 14th matchup is the first since the international break, a 15 day span between matches for the Sounders. Vancouver, meanwhile, last played just ten days ago. It will be interesting to watch one of the early Cascadia Cup matches, as the Whitecaps have only played one game in the rivalry themselves this season.

Last match recap:

Sounders: Seattle’s last match was a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over expansion club Charlotte FC. The Sounders went down early on a rebounded tap in from Benjamin Bender in the 21st minute. Seattle was able to rally in the second half, scoring goals in the 72nd and 80th minute. Jordan Morris found the back of the net in the 72nd after several barely missed opportunities, and Raul Ruidiaz scored a masterful goal in the 80th to steal three points.
Whitecaps: Vancouver’s last contest came against Real Salt Lake at home, a narrow 2-1 victory. Vancouver, who is still competing for the Canadian Championship, got on the board first with a Ranko Veselinovic tap in off of a long throw and a header. Real Salt Lake would equalize shortly after the halfway point, but a late Ryan Gauld penalty in the 93rd minute would give the Whitecaps a late winner. Vancouver has been solid at home with a 4-1-2 record, but not so much on the road.

Where they stand heading into this matchup

Sounders: In MLS play, Seattle posts a 5-6-1 record. The Sounders have a 3-2-0 record at home. They rank 11th in the Western Conference
Whitecaps: In MLS play, Vancouver posts a 5-7-2 record. The Whitecaps have a 1-6-0 record on the road, and rank 10th in the Western Conference.

Jordan Morris’ header in the 72nd minute equalized the game

Players to watch on Vancouver

Lucas Cavallini: The leading scorer for this Whitecaps team, Cavallini is a 29-year-old forward that has netted four so far in this 2022 campaign. Cavallini is the man to watch on the Vancouver attack, and he faces a tough challenge against Seattle’s sturdy backline. Keeping him in front will be an important note, as two of his four goals have come on penalty kicks
Tosaint Ricketts: While Ricketts is tied for second on the club for goals, his value to this club goes past the numbers he has put up so far this season. The 34-year-old forward leads the club in accurate shooting percentage and goals above average per 90 minutes. Ricketts has a history with Seattle, so couple that with his under the radar numbers? It will be key to monitor him wherever he goes.
Deiber Caicedo: Caicedo has been an intriguing piece for Vancouver this season so far. The 22-year-old forward has seen some starting time, but also has proven to be effective off of the bench as a substitute. I would expect to see Caicedo used as a substitution later in the match in an effort to give the Whitecaps a late push.

Keys to a Sounders win

Keep Cristian Roldan involved all night: Seattle midfielder Cristian Roldan has put on a master class season to this point, drawing high praise from his manager Brian Schmetzer. Schmetzer made it a point in one of Seattle’s last matches to encourage USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter to give Cristian Roldan more time and a bigger opportunity, and it’s not without good reason. As stated earlier in the season, Cristian Roldan’s impact on the Sounders has been at an MVP level, and a successful game usually sees him heavily involved.
Remain poised against a rival: Cascadia rivalry matches are always a ton of fun to be at, both when I was a fan and now covering the games. With that being said, it is easy to get really into it as a player, and that could negatively impact Seattle. You’re already the Seattle Sounders, but add a CCL Final win to your name? Surely every single team will have a bigger target on your back, let alone one of your local rivals. It is key to remain composed and handle business. After all, you do want to win the Cascadia Cup for the fourth time in a row, right?
Keep your winning form despite international break: Seattle seemed like they had finally got back into their groove in MLS play following wins in three of their last four contests, including a close one over Charlotte. The Sounders will now have 15 days between matches due to an international break; will that hurt them, or will the “time off” prove to be beneficial? Getting some time off could be positive for this club, having wrapped up a CONCACAF Champions League victory and a US Open Cup appearance. But, will the time away mess with their Mojo? Due to the personnel that the Sounders have, between the coaching staff and veterans, I want to say no. This will not negatively affect them.