Whitecaps can eliminate Seattle from MLS tournament with a win tonight

They’ve only played once in Orlando so far, but tonight’s match is already a virtual must-win for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The heat will be on both teams tonight when the Whitecaps take on their Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders at 7:30 pm PT on TSN.

The Whitecaps currently sit at the bottom of Group B, but have a game in hand on both Seattle and San Jose. Depending on the result of tonight’s Chicago-San Jose match, securing three points could vault the Whitecaps into second place.

The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the Round of 16.

A Whitecaps win would also send Seattle home — which would make the trip to Florida worth it on its own. It won’t, however, affect the Cascadia Cup.

🚨 REMINDER for those unaware: Tomorrow's officially not a Cascadia Cup match. Big respect and appreciation for all of our SGs. It literally won't be the same without you @southislanders @prawnsiders @Southsiders @CurvaCollective @raincitybrigade #Southsisters @CouchUltras & more

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) July 18, 2020

A loss would end the Whitecaps’ chances of advancing if it were to be coupled with a win by Chicago.

Life moves fast at the MLS is Back tournament.

Seattle has had trouble scoring goals through their first two matches, drawing San Jose 0-0 and losing to Chicago 2-1. The Whitecaps have had just the opposite problem, conceding four goals and giving up a ton of shots against in their first match.

It goes without saying the Whitecaps will need to keep more possession and limit scoring chances tonight. They held just 32.3% of possession and gave up an MLS-record 22 corners on Wednesday.

pew pew that's a snipe 🔫 #VWFC

🇮🇶💗 pic.twitter.com/7o9FRbJ8qT

— WFC_Intern (@WFC_Intern) July 16, 2020

The good news is the Whitecaps found a way to score three times in their opening match, which included a great goal from Ali Adnan, an own goal following a run by Yordy Reyna, and a goal from Cristian Dajome after a San Jose turnover.

If you’re looking for a place to watch tonight’s match, there are more than 80 pubs carrying the game, as you can see from the map below.

Our favourite map because this one leads to @phillipsbeer and ⚽ on TV 🤯

Find out everywhere that'll be showing #SEAvVAN tonight at https://t.co/Ny4GUQAbw6 🗺️#VWFC pic.twitter.com/ten0oFo4he

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) July 19, 2020

Despite fans not being in attendance for the match, there are 50/50 tickets to be had.

The Whitecaps are running their 50/50 program online on each match days during the tournament, with tickets going on sale beginning at 6 am. Proceeds will benefit Covenant House Vancouver and its ongoing work to improve the lives of Vancouver’s homeless and at-risk youth.

THEY'RE LOVING IT BACK AT HOME BIG UP EVERY SUPPORTER WATCHING #VWFC pic.twitter.com/jxJqkzf6Fy

— WFC_Intern (@WFC_Intern) July 16, 2020