2015-2016 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League
Score: Sounders FC 1 at Whitecaps FC 1
Goal-scorers: Tim Parker (61’), Lamar Neagle (72’)
Site: BC Place
Man of the Match: Lamar Neagle ended Sounders FC’s scoring drought with his fifth goal across all competitions in 2015. Eleven minutes after Vancouver took the lead early in the second half, Neagle finished a one-time shot inside the near post on a cross from Andy Rose, who had tracked down the ball from a free kick on the far side. Neagle was the only player in the game to hit multiple shots on target (two).
Telling Stat: Whitecaps FC didn’t take a shot until the 61st minute, when Erik Hurtado’s attempt was deflected out for a corner kick. Tim Parker scored on the ensuing corner, finding the net on a backheel at the near post. Each of the last five goals Seattle’s conceded has come on a set piece.
What You Missed: That was Seattle’s first-ever Champions League match against a fellow MLS team. The Rave Green are now 12-11-4 all-time in the SCCL, including a 4-6-4 record on the road.
The Sounders made numerous changes to the lineup that faced Vancouver last Saturday. On the backline, Oniel Fisher started at right back for Tyrone Mears and Zach Scott played centerback in place of Chad Marshall. The midfield also looked entirely different: Neagle and Aaron Kovar played on the wings, while Cristian Roldan, Micheal Azira and Rose all lined up in the middle.
So What: Seattle and Vancouver are tied atop the Group F standings as each team has three Group Stage games remaining. Before facing Vancouver at home on September 23, Sounders FC will play a pair of matches against C.D. Olimpia later this month. The club returns to MLS action on Sunday with a nationally-televised road match versus the LA Galaxy on ESPN.
