Sounders Cruise Past Whitecaps in CONCACAF Clash

Paul Arriola scores twice as Seattle takes commanding lead in Round of 16 series

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:33pm

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The Seattle Sounders secured an impressive 3-0 road victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 matchup. Paul Arriola scored a brace while Paul Rothrock added a late goal, and goalkeeper Stefan Frei recorded the shutout in his first appearance of the season. The Sounders will host the return leg next Wednesday in Spokane.

Why it matters

This result puts the Sounders in a strong position to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, a prestigious tournament that pits the top clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean against each other. A deep run in this competition would be a major boost for the Sounders as they look to build on their recent MLS Cup triumph.

The details

The Sounders dominated possession and chances throughout the match, with Arriola opening the scoring just before halftime off a feed from Jesús Ferreira. Arriola then doubled the lead in the 58th minute, and Rothrock put the game away late with a goal assisted by Cristian Roldan. Frei was rarely tested in goal, recording a comfortable clean sheet in his first action of the 2026 season.

  • The match was played on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The return leg will be held next Wednesday in Spokane.

The players

Paul Arriola

The Sounders forward scored a brace in the victory, his first start in almost exactly one year.

Stefan Frei

The Sounders goalkeeper recorded the shutout in his first appearance of the 2026 season.

Paul Rothrock

The Sounders midfielder scored the third goal to put the game away late.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The return leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 matchup between the Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps will be played next Wednesday in Spokane.

The takeaway

The Sounders' dominant performance on the road puts them in a strong position to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, a competition that could provide a valuable boost as they look to build on their recent MLS Cup triumph.