Sounders advances with derby win over Vancouver
San Jose Earthquakes progressed to the last 16 of the MLS is Back Tournament as the Group B winner, while Seattle Sounders joined the club in the knockout stage with a derby win over Vancouver.
The Earthquakes clinched top spot in the group thanks to Monday's (AEST) 2-0 victory over Chicago Fire in Orlando, Florida.
Chris Wondolowski added to his all-time leading MLS tally at Walt Disney World Resort, where Cristian Espinoza opened the scoring in the 56th minute.
After a goalless opening half, Espinoza was played into space by Earthquakes team-mate Jackson Yueill before firing past Fire goalkeeper Kenneth Kronholm.
Wondolowski then doubled the lead within seconds of his introduction – heading home Carlos Fierro's cross for the 37-year-old's 161st league goal.
The Fire, though, remain in the race to qualify for the knockout round.
Chicago could finish second behind San Jose if it beats Vancouver Whitecaps in their Group B finale.
The Sounders currently sit second on four points from their three matches – a point above the Fire with a plus-two goal difference and at least enough for one of the four best third-placed teams – after defeating the Whitecaps 3-0.
Nicolas Lodeiro, Jordan Morris and Raul Ruidiaz inspired the Sounders against the Whitecaps, who could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams with a big win against Chicago.
