MLS: Whitecaps, Sounders battle to draw in Cascadia Cup

Vancouver, BC, Canada (AHN Sports) – The Seattle Sounders and the Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off the Cascadia Cup rivalry series with a wild 2-2 draw at the BC Place Saturday.

Seattle forward Fredy Montero scored on a sensational curling shot in the 90th minute that left Vancouver goalkeeper Joe Cannon stunned.

Left back Alain Rochat opened scoring in the 12th minute for the Whitecaps, who had several scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize.

In the 33rd minute, Omar Salgado outmuscled Jeff Parke before scuffing his shot wide and Rochat set up rookie Darren Mattocks but the Jamaican’s weak effort failed to find the target.

In the 46th minute, Mattocks broke free but couldn’t hit the frame, firing well over.

The Whitecaps’ missed opportunities came to haunt them in the 47th minute when Eddie Johnson tied the count with a header from a cross by Mauro Rosales.

Camilo’s free kick found a way through a crowded penalty area and gave Vancouver a 2-1 lead in the 83rd minute before Montero scored the game-tying goal.

The Whitecaps, now 5-3-3 (win-loss-draw), are now preparing prepare for the decisive second leg of the Canadian Championship Wednesday at BMO Field.

The Sounders host the Columbus Crew Wednesday in MLS action at CenturyLink Field, after falling to 7-2-2.

The Cascadia Cup is the name of the trophy created in 2004 by supporters of the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, which is awarded each season to the best soccer team in the Pacific Northwest.

The Timbers, Sounders, and Whitecaps have roots dating to the days of the North American Soccer League. It was first contested in 2004, and was claimed by the Whitecaps.

In 2011 the competition continued with the MLS sides Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

The Whitecaps and Sounders have three Cascadia Cup apiece.

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