Recap: 'Caps, Sounders tie 2-2 tie in wild Cascadia opener

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Cascadia Cup rivalry matches in 2012 promise to offer plenty of drama if the opening match is any indication.

Seattle's Fredy Montero scored a 90th minute equalizer as the Seattle Sounders came back twice to tie the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2 at BC Place on Saturday in a wild first match of the 2012 Cascadia rivalry series.

Vancouver looked set for the win after Camilo scored with a free kick that found a way through a crowded penalty area and surprised Seattle netminder Bryan Meredith for the late 2-1 lead in the 82nd minute.

Whitecaps left back Alain Rochat opened the scoring with a marauding run down the left in the 12th minute. Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, Vancouver saw their lead disappear on Eddie Johnson's equalizing header early in the second half.

FULL LINEUPS AND BOX SCORE

Rochat and Salgado linked up well throughout the opening half down the left flank, and it was that pairing that combined for the opener. The 18 year old found the streaking Swiss-Canadian down the left side with a fine ball after holding off his marker, and given the lack of pressure from the Seattle defense Rochat opted for the shot on goal instead of the cross.

There were other chances too, and Salgado was right in the thick of them, outmuscling Jeff Parke in the 33rd minute before scuffing his shot wide.

Rochat also set up an opportunity for rookie Darren Mattocks to grab his first MLS goal eight minutes later, sending him behind the Sounders’ defense but the Jamaican’s weak effort couldn’t find the target.

The ‘Caps looked as if they might double their lead within the first 20 seconds of the second half, as Mattocks broke free again, getting on the end of a fine ball from Sebastien Le Toux down the right. Once again, Mattocks couldn’t hit the frame, firing well over.

It was to prove a costly miss, as Johnson equalized about a minute later, heading home a cross from Mauro Rosales.

Joe Cannon then made two vital saves around the 50-minute mark, both on Fredy Montero, who was denied twice.

Montero continued his personal battle with Cannon on a shot from the edge of the area on 57 minutes, forcing Cannon to swat the ball away.

OPTA Chalkboard: The back-and-forth affair at BC Place

Vancouver had another good opportunity in the 66th minute as second-half substitute Eric Hassli headed wide of the Sounders goal on a service from Rochat. A little over 10 minutes later it was Davide Chiumiento's turn to miss narrowly.

On 83 minutes, Camilo thought he’d won the game with a free kick, before Montero’s last-gasp equalizer on a sensational curling shot that left Cannon motionless.

The Whitecaps, now 5-3-3, prepare for the decisive second leg of the Canadian Championship Wednesday at BMO Field, while the Sounders host the Columbus Crew Wednesday in MLS action at CenturyLink Field, after falling to 7-2-2.