MLS: CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP - Sounders FC Surge Late in Spokane to Clinch Quarterfinal Berth
- Staff Writer
- 55 minutes ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
SPOKANE, Wash. — Seattle Sounders FC successfully navigated their first-ever competitive match in Eastern Washington, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1 on Wednesday night at ONE Spokane Stadium. The victory finalized a 5-2 aggregate win in the Round of 16, officially punching Seattle’s ticket to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals.
Playing away from Lumen Field due to 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations, the Rave Green treated 5,126 fans to a dramatic comeback. Trailing for much of the match, Seattle struck twice in a four-minute span late in the second half to sweep the two-leg series against their Cascadia rivals.
"Advancing in this competition is never easy, especially in a rivalry match," said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. "To do it here in Spokane in front of a great crowd makes it even more special. We showed real character to stay patient and find those goals late."
Super Subs Turn the Tide
Vancouver opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Jeevan Badwal connected with a Brian White delivery to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. For over an hour, the Whitecaps frustrated a heavily rotated Seattle lineup, clinging to the hope of an aggregate comeback.
The momentum shifted in the 65th minute when Schmetzer introduced Paul Rothrock and Danny Musovski, followed shortly by Peter Kingston. The tactical adjustment paid off in the 79th minute when Kingston—appearing on a Short-Term Agreement from Tacoma Defiance—slid a ball to Musovski, who clinicaly buried his first goal of the season to level the match.
Just four minutes later, the same duo combined again. Kingston recorded his second assist of the night, finding Rothrock for a strike in his third consecutive match. Rothrock now leads the team with four goals across all competitions this season.
Quarterfinal Outlook
With the aggregate victory, Seattle awaits the winner of the matchup between FC Cincinnati and Tigres UANL. Cincinnati currently holds a commanding 3-0 lead heading into their second leg at Estadio Universitario.
The match in Spokane also set a milestone, marking the highest attendance for a Concacaf Champions Cup match in Washington state history played outside of the city of Seattle.
Return to MLS Play
The Sounders have little time to celebrate as they shift back to league action this weekend. The club travels to face Minnesota United FC on Sunday, March 22, at Allianz Field. The match is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on FOX and Apple TV.
Match Summary:
Stat | Sounders FC | Whitecaps FC |
Shots | 11 | 13 |
Shots on Goal | 4 | 5 |
Saves | 4 | 2 |
Fouls | 7 | 15 |
Aggregate Score | 5 | 2 |
Scoring Summary:
VAN: Jeevan Badwal (White) — 24'
SEA: Danny Musovski (Kingston) — 79'
SEA: Paul Rothrock (Kingston) — 83'
Seattle Lineup: Frei; Kossa-Rienzi, A. Roldan, Ragen, Nouhou; Brunell, C. Roldan; Ferreira (Kingston 66'), Rusnák (Petković 81'), Arriola (Rothrock 65'); De Rosario (Musovski 65')
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIER MEDIA GROUP / NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK /
NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561215500230
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / National Soccer Network
Comments