SEATTLE — The Seattle Sounders started the opening half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in a manner that had been missing during their last two MLS matches. Seattle played the first 45 minutes vs. Vancouver with a confidence and composure that was nonexistent in a loss to Portland and draw in San Jose, two games in which the Sounders allowed a combined five first-half goals.
The team had nearly 63 percent possession on Saturday, meanwhile, and bossed the tempo of the game from the opening whistle. The result was the club’s first clean sheet in 11 matches at a time when getting three points was the only acceptable result.