Sounders FC take slim Cascadia Cup lead with road draw

It was the best of Frei, it was the worst of Frei.

Seattle had to survive a few waves of attack from Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In the early going they did just that. Sounders FC held a lead for a few minutes even after Chad Barrett headed in a Kenny Cooper cross. That lead was unjust and the 'Caps responded quickly.

Hurtado forced the two Cascadia clubs to enter the half tied at a goal each.

Vancouver looked dominant, but just a bit off. Stefan Frei would look even worse in the 65th minute. After knocking a ball out parallel to the endline he chased it into the corner and blindly one-touch cleared the ball. Gershon Koffie noticed the Sounders FC keeper well out of place and looped the ball into the empty net.

It was the worst of Frei.

Sounders FC would mount a bit of a surge back. They challenged and threatened, but struggled to force Ousted into difficult saves. Eventually a ball into the box aimed at Cam Weaver's massive frame forced DeMerit to climb his back like a ladder. Center ref  Elfath considered that a callable action and pointed to the spot.

Gonzalo Panenka, sorry Pineda, finished the PK to draw Seattle level.

With each side making three subs, Vancouver's ball boys taking many seconds to re-enter the ball into play, a slap fight and a few other incidents the match went into six minutes of added time. Frei then made several stellar saves. With the match tied and the chance at a road point against a Western Conference and Cascadia Cup opponent Frei was perfect.

It was the best of Frei.

The two-two result puts Seattle Sounders FC in a slim Cascadia Cup lead, but points out some questions. The defense is shaky, Frei can make major gaffs and yet they can earn a road point.