Vancouver Whitecaps reach playoffs in the West - Orlando City eliminate Montréal

The Vancouver Whitecaps will be the only Canadian-based Major League Soccer club in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The 'Caps ended their playoff drought in front of 25,117 visitors, the largest crowd in British Columbia since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a 1-1 draw against Cascadia Cup rivals Seattle Sounders.  

Seattle would get off to a perfect start. Just eight minutes were played when the Sounders were awarded a penalty after a handball by Cristian Dájome. Former 'Caps Fredy Montero stepped up and converted from the spot. 

The Whitecaps responded well from going down early. Dominant, the 'Caps had over 70% possession at one point and finally in the 20th minute found a way through when Brian White's header found Ryan Gauld, the Scotsman headed the ball past Stefan Frei for the well-deserved equalizer. 

While the Sounders needed a win to secure first in the West, the Whitecaps just needed a draw and it showed in the second half. Vancouver, were now more passive while at the same time also controlling the game getting the result they needed to advance. 

MLS Decision Day: Montréal fall short against Orlando - RSL with late winner

There was more drama elsewhere. Colorado Rapids clinched first place and eliminated Los Angeles FC thanks to a 5-2 win. LAFC's city rivals are also out. The Galaxy drew Minnesota 3-3 but were eliminated after Damir Kreilach scored a 95th-minute winner against Sporting Kansas City to secure Real Salt Lake a spot in the playoffs. 

The playoff race was also tight in the Eastern Conference. There CF Montréal hosted Orlando City. The former Impact needed to win the game to make it through but missed countless chances in the first half. Instead, the Lions took a deserved 2-0 win. Jhegson Méndez (55') and Daryl Dike (86') were the scorers. Elsewhere, the New York Red Bulls beat Nashville SC to secure seventh place in the Eastern Conference (to the standings).