Seattle qualifies for last 16 with resounding win over Vancouver

The Seattle Sounders shook off a slow start at the MLS is Back Tournament with a dominant 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday night.

The defending MLS Cup winners qualified for the knockout stage with the win, and they now await the conclusion of the group stage for their opponent in the round of 16.

Nicolas Lodeiro, Jordan Morris, and Raul Ruidiaz all scored in a display that advertised the expertise of Brian Schmetzer's attack.

Lodeiro opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Morris' close-range effort bounced up and struck Whitecaps defender Jasser Khmiri on the arm.

The Sounders captain then played provider, finding Morris on a rampaging run from the midfield with a measured ball over the top; the U.S. international buried it with a well-placed shot.

Vancouver enjoyed strong spells of possession in the first half but failed to capitalize on its opportunities in the final third. The absences of Lucas Cavallini, Fredy Montero, and Tosaint Ricketts have left Marc Dos Santos' squad noticeably threadbare in attack.

Seattle cemented the result in the 51st minute when Ruidiaz redirected Morris' goal-bound flick beyond a helpless Maxime Crepeau.

The victory allowed the Sounders to cap off their Group B participation by vaulting the Chicago Fire for second place. San Jose secured top billing in the group after beating Chicago earlier Sunday.

Vancouver remains last in Group B on zero points ahead of a rescheduled finale against Chicago. The four best third-place finishers in the group stage will secure spots in the round of 16.