The Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps played to a 1-1 draw at Lumen Field on Saturday night. Jordan Morris scored early for Seattle, while Ryan Gauld converted a penalty in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time to earn a point for the visitors.
Morris opened the scoring just nine minutes in when he cleaned up a rebound off a save from goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. Obed Vargas started the play with a threatening cross before his shot off a João Paulo deflected effort nearly found the back of the net.
Sounders ‘keeper Stefan Frei made a diving save on a Brian White header off a corner just two minutes later to keep Seattle in front.
Fafa Picault had a decent opportunity in the 37th minute when he rose for a header at the back post, but he sent his effort wide and over the crossbar.
The first part of the second half was bereft of any legitimate chances for either side. Yeimar had a powerful effort on a half-volley in the 69th minute from the top of the box, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Morris had a chance to earn a brace in the 80th minute when his header at the back post off a Vargas cross was deflected out for a corner.
Pedro de la Vega, who made his first appearance in over two months, nearly scored just minutes after coming on when his flicked-on header caromed off the crossbar.
Vancouver was given a lifeline in stoppage time when referee Victor Rivas went to Video Review and awarded a penalty kick for a handball on Nouhou. Gauld stepped up and dispatched the resulting penalty, making it 1-1 in the closing minutes of the match.
Nouhou was given a second yellow card for the offense and was sent off. He will miss next Saturday’s match at St. Louis CITY SC (5:30 p.m. PT; MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).
Seattle had a last-gasp effort in the eighth minute of stoppage time when de la Vega hit the post again.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
De la Vega returns
Sounders Young Designated Player de la Vega came off the bench to make his first appearance since March 2 while battling a hamstring injury. He replaced João Paulo in the 75th minute and nearly bagged a goal, hitting the woodwork twice.
Cascadia Cup standings
Vancouver remains atop the Cascadia Cup standings and stays unbeaten through three matches (2-0-1). Following their win over the Timbers last weekend, the Sounders add another point for four on the campaign, with Portland in third without a result.
Quick turnaround
The Sounders will continue their incredibly busy May with a home match at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash., on Wednesday when they host the USL Championship’s Phoenix Rising in the Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup (7:30 p.m. PT | TICKETS).
