Brian Schmetzer will be looking to guide his "Seattle Sounders" to consecutive victories against "Vancouver Whitecaps" when the Cascadia rivals clash this weekend. The Sounders coach already orchestrated a convincing 3-0 win in their previous encounter last October and holds the psychological edge heading into this fixture.
"Vancouver" enter this match in concerning form after suffering a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Cruz Azul in CONCACAF Champions League action. Coach Jesper Sørensen has seen his team score just seven times in their last six matches – hardly the offensive output needed against a disciplined Seattle side.
Interestingly, both sides are coming off defeats. While Vancouver were dismantled in continental competition, the "Sounders" fell to "Minnesota United" despite dominating possession (66%) in their previous MLS fixture. Youngster Kalani Kossa-Rienzi provided Seattle's lone goal in that 4-1 loss.
The injury report presents challenges for both managers. Vancouver will be missing Scottish playmaker Ryan Gauld with a knee issue – a significant blow to their attacking creativity. Seattle's situation is more dire, with four key absences including Paul Arriola (cruciate ligament) and Jordan Morris.
Recent history between these Pacific Northwest neighbors has been remarkably balanced. In their last six meetings dating back to May 2023, each team has claimed two victories with two matches ending level. However, Seattle's dominant 3-0 win last October featured goals from Georgi Minoungou, Albert Rusnák, and Paul Rothrock.
Vancouver's expected 4-3-3 formation will likely see Daniel Rios leading the attack, while Seattle is expected to counter with a 4-2-3-1 system anchored by veteran goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
Can Sørensen's men bounce back from their continental embarrassment, or will Schmetzer's tactical acumen prevail again? Recent form suggests the visitors might just edge this one.
