MLS Regular Season

Three Key Matchups: Seattle Sounders FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Three Key Matchups: Seattle Sounders FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC -

It’s the defending Supporters’ Shield champions versus the current leaders for the 2015 Shield, as Vancouver Whitecaps FC hosts Sounders FC at BC Place on Saturday (4 pm PT; JOEtv/This TV). The two rivals have split the season series thus far: Seattle won 2-0 at BC Place early in the season and Whitecaps FC earned a 3-0 win at CenturyLink Field last month.


Here are three key matchups to watch in Saturday’s contest at BC Place.




Osvaldo Alonso vs. Mauro Rosales

The ex-teammates will battle it out in the midfield, where Alonso helped Seattle control the run of play the last time these teams met at BC Place. Alonso wasn’t fully healthy for last month’s loss to Vancouver, and this time around the pesky defensive midfielder is ready to go. Rosales, meanwhile, has yet to play against Seattle this year but will surely be featured in Sigi Schmid’s scouting report, as the Argentine midfielder tallied 34 assists in his three seasons with the Sounders (2011-2013). Whether it’s him or Pedro Morales playing the central attacking role, Vancouver will boast plenty of creativity in midfield.


Clint Dempsey vs. David Ousted

Ousted is part of the reason why Vancouver has conceded the fewest goals in MLS (28 goals in 28 games). The veteran goalkeeper is among the league’s best in saves, clean sheets and save percentage. Dempsey appears almost fully recovered from his hamstring injury , having played over 80 minutes in each of the last two games. He had an assist in the victory at BC Place in May, which was his ninth straight MLS match with a goal or an assist. Despite all his success in MLS, he's never scored against the Whitecaps.


Nelson Valdez vs. Steven Beitashour

Valdez showed in the last two weeks he could fit in well on the wing with fellow Designated Players Obafemi Martins and Dempsey up front. He hasn’t scored since his MLS debut one month ago, but the technical staff is pleased with the Paraguayan striker’s willingness to play anywhere on the pitch and put his body on the line when tracking back to defend. On Saturday, Valdez could line up across from Beitashour, a veteran rightback who has started 24 games in his second year with the Whitecaps.

2026 Season Membership Deposits

2026 Season Membership Deposits

Feel the pull of the Sound and step into something bigger. 2026 will continue to put Seattle soccer on the world stage, so there's no better time to join the Rave Green and grow with the Sounders legacy. Secure your seat alongside the best fans in MLS.

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Come out to Lumen Field to watch your Seattle Sounders take on Portland with this special ticket offer sponsored by Michelob Ultra. For just $40 + Taxes & Fees, get two tickets & two beers for the match. For 21+ fans only and drinks must be picked up in the North Plaza 21+ beer garden prior to kickoff.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Add a limited-edition Cascadia Rivalry t-shirt to your ticket to the Portland Timbers match. Matchday pick up info will be communicated prior to the match via email.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.