Everything you need to know about Whitecaps-Sounders

Both the Cascadia Cup and placement in the Western Conference standings is up for grabs as the Seattle Sounders pay their only visit to the Vancouver Whitecaps this season. Not only do the Sounders probably need to win this game in order to remain in serious contention for home-field advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, but they literally need to win to keep their hopes alive in the Cascadia Cup. The Sounders will be eliminated from contention for the rivalry trophy if they drop points in this game.

Perhaps more important is seeding in the Western Conference, where the Sounders lead the Whitecaps by three points. The Sounders are currently fifth in the Western Conference and will need every point they can get if they are to leapfrog any teams ahead of them while also holding off the No. 7 Whitecaps, who also have a game in hand.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Seattle

OUT: João Paulo - Calf

QUESTIONABLE: Raúl Ruidíaz - Knee

Whitecaps

OUT: Max Anchor - Finger; Stuart Armstrong - Calf

QUESTIONABLE: Ali Ahmed - Quad; Ryan Gauld - Knee

Stats to look smart

The Sounders have an all-time record of 8-5-7 at BC Place since joining MLS. The only away stadium where they’ve won more games is Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, where they’ve defeated the Rapids nine times across all competitions.
The Whitecaps have played six games over the past 18 days, twice as many as the Sounders in the same timeframe.

Tactics to impress

The Whitecaps are heavily reliant on their attacking trident of Ryan Gauld, Brian White and Fafa Picault. Those three have combined for 52 goal-contributions, 61% of the Whitecaps’ total. Shut them down and you probably shut down the offense.
Similar to the Dynamo, the Whitecaps tend to favor long and slow ball progression over transition play. This is the type of team the Sounders have mostly done well against – with a notable exception of their previous meetings with the Whitecaps. Still, if the Sounders can get their press working, they should be able to find some success.