Seattle is not an easy place to play. They're big on the 12th man, here in the Emerald City. You see it on cars, in shop windows, on t-shirts, flags, scarves, and anything else they can get their little hands on. But the Whitecaps needed to get a result. They needed it for the league, where they're mounting a serious Supporters' Shield challenge, and they needed it to keep their search for a record sixth Cascadia Cup alive.
It didn't take long for Carl Robinson's men to get on the score sheet. After Dylan Remick brought Cristian Techera down on the edge of the box, Nicolás Mezquida found Kendall Waston. The Tico's header glanced off of Brad Evans' chest, and Pa Modou Kah capitalised on the confusion to put the visitors up one nil.
It's a good thing that the majority of the 53,125 wore green, as they weren't looking too good around the gills after that effort.
With a Champions League rematch set to take place on Wednesday in Vancouver, it was interesting that both sides elected to field a full strength line up here in Seattle.
Late in the first half, Stefan Frei managed to get a finger on a Jordan Harvey strike that ultimately hit the woodwork. A few minutes later, there was action at the other end as the Sounders had a legitimate appeal for a penalty.
Thomás' cross was deflected by Brad Evans, and struck Pa Modou Kah's hand. If his hand hadn't been in the way, it would have hit Kah's chest, so it could be argued it was a ball to hand, but we still think that referee Mark Geiger should have pointed to the spot.
Pa Modou Kah celebrates his second goal against Seattle on Saturday.
After the break, the Whitecaps wasted little time in adding to their lead. Cristian Techera sent a short corner to Kekuta Manneh, who passed it back, thereby creating space and confusing the Sounders defence. Techera found Kah, who doubled his tally thanks to a back heeled effort.
At the tender age of 35, Pa Modou Kah has found new life as a striker. He scored in the Rose City Invitational against Portland, and he had two here tonight. Perhaps we could call that a Cascadian Hat Trick.
With the visitors already up by two, Pedro Morales came on for Nicolás Mezquida. A few minutes later, he took a dead ball that would have made David Beckham proud.
So comprehensive was Vancouver' victory their worst player performed better than Seattle's best player. The Caps not only beat the Sounders, they shamed them. Seattle's response will be telling, both in terms of continental competition, and the Supporters' Shield.
After tonight, the Sounders have gone four matches without a goal. Can the Caps make it five? They'll get their chance in the Champions League at BC Place on Wednesday.
It's the start of a busy time for them. After their rematch with Seattle, they'll welcome Salt Lake on Saturday. Next week, they have the first leg of the CSA Cup Final in Montreal on Wednesday, and a league match on the weekend in Kansas.