Brian Schmetzer leads his Seattle Sounders FC squad into a crucial matchup against Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend, looking to replicate their dominant 3-0 victory from their previous encounter on October 3rd.
The Sounders enter this fixture following a disappointing loss to Minnesota United where, despite controlling 66% of possession and recording 10 shots, they fell short. Young talent Kalani Kossa-Rienzi provided Seattle's lone goal in that defeat.
"We've shown we can handle Vancouver's style, but consistency has been our challenge," a Sounders source revealed ahead of the matchup.
Meanwhile, Jesper Sørensen's "Whitecaps" are attempting to bounce back from a brutal 5-0 thrashing by Cruz Azul in CONCACAF Champions League action. The Canadian side has managed just seven goals across their last six matches – a worrying trend as they prepare to face a team that dominated them less than a year ago.
Both squads face injury concerns. Vancouver will miss Ryan Gauld due to a knee injury, while Seattle has a longer absence list including Paul Arriola (cruciate ligament), Yeimar Gómez Andrade (muscle injury), Jordan Morris, and Kee-hee Kim (calf).
Interestingly, the head-to-head record between these Pacific Northwest rivals remains perfectly balanced over their last six meetings – two wins apiece with two draws, and exactly seven goals scored by each side.
The Sounders' victory last October featured goals from Georgi Minoungou, Albert Rusnák, and Paul Rothrock, with Vancouver struggling to convert their chances despite nine attempts.
Can Vancouver find their scoring touch against a depleted but determined Seattle side? Recent form suggests the visitors might have the edge in what's becoming an increasingly competitive regional rivalry.
