Ali Adnan scored the goal of the week against San Jose… it’s just too bad he couldn’t repeat such a performance last night.

The Whitecaps found themselves unable to deliver in a big game. A win would’ve been crucial in helping the ‘Caps clinch a playoff spot, but instead they were blanked by the reigning MLS Champions.

Raúl Ruidíaz celebrates with Cristian Roldan. Photo from here.

It was their second match in four nights. Vancouver had made plenty of changes to their lineup after Saturday’s comeback win over San Jose. The change included adding seven Canadians to their starting XI, a club record.

At first the game seemed evenly matched. Seattle and Vancouver’s defences didn’t allow a single goal for the first half of the match. Vancouver’s defence held Seattle to just one shot on target and blocked another three in the first 45 minutes. The defence may have been clicking, but the offence as not: nobody was able to capitalize on an early goal.

Seattle came out of the halftime break much more aggressive. They pushed Vancouver and eventually broke through the defence to find a goal. It took 54 minutes, but Nouho Tolo spun an in-swining ball that Sounder star striker RuidÍaz put in the back of the net. Rudíaz would continue to be a thorn in Vancouver’s side, getting an assist on a Nicolás Lodeiro goal in the 60th minute.

The Whitecaps have two more games left to clinch a playoff spot. They will look to get a victory against their rivals the Portland Timbers on November 1st. Vancouver has been playing their home games in Portland’s Providence Park due to COVID, but will be anything but kind to their host as a win Saturday could mean a trip to the postseason. Vancouver is currently sitting at seventh in the Western Conference, the top eight teams make it in.

The ‘Caps last meeting with the Timbers ended in a 0-1 defeat. To avoid another loss they will have to play as if their season depends on it because…well… it does.