Sounders advance to Concacaf quarterfinals with victory over Vancouver Whitecaps

Danny Musovski and Paul Rothrock scored late goals to secure a 2-1 win and a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 6:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Seattle Sounders defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 on Wednesday night in Spokane to advance to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup. The win followed a 3-0 result over the Whitecaps in the first leg last week, giving the Sounders a decisive 4-1 aggregate victory. Danny Musovski and Paul Rothrock scored late goals to secure the win after Jeevan Badwal had given the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead in the first half.

Why it matters

The Sounders became the first MLS team to win the Concacaf Champions League in 2022, earning them a spot in last summer's FIFA Club World Cup. This latest victory continues their strong run in the regional competition and keeps them on track to potentially defend their title.

The details

A goal from Jeevan Badwal in the 24th minute gave the Whitecaps a chance to get back into the match, but the Sounders were able to rally late. Musovski headed in a cross from Peter Kingston in the 79th minute to tie the game at 1-1, and Rothrock added another goal just four minutes later to seal the win for Seattle.

  • The match was held at ONE Spokane Stadium due to grass installation at Lumen Field in preparation for the World Cup.
  • The win followed a 3-0 result over the Whitecaps in Vancouver last week in the first leg of the match.

The players

Danny Musovski

A substitute who scored the tying goal in the 79th minute to help the Sounders advance.

Paul Rothrock

A substitute who scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute to seal the victory for the Sounders.

Jeevan Badwal

The Whitecaps player who scored the opening goal in the 24th minute to give his team a chance to get back into the match.

Brian White

The Whitecaps player who provided the assist on Badwal's goal.

Peter Kingston

The Sounders player who provided the assists on both of the Sounders' late goals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Sounders will face the winner of Tigres UANL and FC Cincinnati in the quarterfinals. Like the Sounders, FC Cincinnati won the first leg of their matchup by a 3-0 result last week, and the second leg is Thursday night in Mexico.

The takeaway

The Sounders' victory over the Whitecaps continues their strong run in the Concacaf Champions Cup, as they look to defend their title as the first MLS team to win the regional competition. Their ability to rally late and secure the win shows the team's resilience and determination to succeed on the international stage.