lled north for the game, but they had little to cheer about early. Miller capitalized on Vancouvers first legitimate chance as he ran on to Corey Hertzogs lon

VANCOUVER - Brad Knighton served notice Saturday night that he is not willing to give up his starting goalkeeper job with the Vancouver Whitecaps just yet. Knighton recorded his second shutout of the season and also earned an assist as the Whitecaps blanked the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in MLS action before a sellout crowd of 21,000 at B.C. Place Stadium. "Thats the best Ive ever played — by far, hands down," said Knighton, who was credited with seven saves. Knighton chalked up his elevated game to the recent arrival of Danish goalkeeper David Ousted, who becomes eligible to play Tuesday after an international transfer window opens. "You dont want to be chopped from a team," said Knighton. "Its my job to put in performances like that to make (management) think twice about taking me out of the lineup. "Obviously, its been nice having him here, because its going to push me and make me better. ... What youve seen from the two weeks that hes been here, its changed my mentality, and its probably the best Ive ever played." Kenny Miller, in the fourth minute, and second-half substitute Darren Mattocks, in the 79th, scored as the Whitecaps (8-5-5), in their third season in MLS, beat Seattle for the first time in league play. Vancouver moved into fourth place in the Western Conference standings while extending its streak to five games. The Whitecaps remained unbeaten in nine home games and have won six of their past nine overall. Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie said his players are starting to believe they are a good team. "Its just another step in the right direction for us," said Knighton. "I dont really care about the shutouts and winning games. Thats what Im in there for — to make saves and get us points and move up the table." The Sounders (7-6-3) saw their unbeaten streak end at four games. The Whitecaps avenged a road loss to the Sounders in early June, when the Sounders overcame a second-half deficit. "Credit to them for finishing that," said Seattle coach Sigi Schmid. "We had opportunities, we should have finished some of those opportunities. Knighton came up with some big saves in goal to keep them in it, and then the last 10 minutes of the game were pushing forward trying to get it — and thats probably when they got the majority of their shots. "Im not displeased with what we created or how we played." A large contingent of Sounders fans travelled north for the game, but they had little to cheer about early. Miller capitalized on Vancouvers first legitimate chance as he ran on to Corey Hertzogs long, high ball from the midfield line, sidestepped defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and put a shot just inside the far post. Hertzogs helper was his first in 11 MLS career games played. He also has a goal to his credit. But Hertzog was forced to leave the game with an apparent leg injury in the second half after taking a high tackle from Lamar Neagle, who received a yellow card for the infraction. After Millers early goal, the Whitecaps spent much of the night defending as the Sounders enjoyed numerous chances but could not beat Knighton. Knighton preserved his clubs lead with three outstanding saves about a minute apart in the first half. He foiled Eddie Johnson from inside the Vancouver box on 22 minutes and then, from an ensuing Seattle corner kick, got his hand on a Zach Scott shot from close range and caught the ball while lying on his back. In the 27th minute, Knighton robbed Johnson and Obafemi Martins on shot off the rebound. Knighton was credited with five saves in the first half as Seattle recorded 10 shots. Three of them went wide and two were blocked. Vancouver recorded five shots in the first 45 minutes, but put only two on target, and finished with just four on net. The Sounders almost drew even in the 57th minute as Neagle put a shot off Vancouver defender Brad Rusin and the goal post, and Seattle failed to generate a chance off the resulting corner kick. Whitecaps coach Rennie tried to generate some offence in the 76th minute as he subbed in striker Mattocks for Camilo, who was held in check most of the night and saw his scoring streak end at five games. The move worked as Mattocks ran on to midfielder Gershon Koffies long header off a Knighton goal kick and lifted the ball over Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning. "I havent had (an assist) since high school, so it was quite nice," said Knighton. "Its one Ill live to tell my wife and kids about. Unfortunately, my wife and daughter are back in North Carolina right now, but I know they stayed up and saw the game. "My friends have been blowing me away with text messages. ... This really means a lot to me." The goal was the first for Mattocks since May 11th. He has played sparingly since then while also spending time away with the Jamaican national team. "It was good scoring a goal," said Mattocks. "I think it helped the team. We were ahead 1-0, but getting that goal took the pressure off the team." But Knighton knows the pressure isnt off him as Ousted waits in the wings. "Hes got to come and take (the job) out of my hands," said Knighton. "Its going to make for a great battle." Notes: Knighton was the obvious choice as Vancouvers man of the match. ... Whitecaps defender Andy OBrien has recovered from a hamstring injury suffered the last time the teams met, in Seattle in early June, but remained out of the lineup as a precaution. ... Koffie returned to the starting lineup for the first time since May 1. He subbed into the last two games after missing four with a thigh injury. ... Seattle played without injured midfielders Osvaldo Alonso (quad) and Steve Zakuani (hernia). ... Whitecaps midfielder Russell Teibert and fourth goalkeeper Simon Thomas were away with the Canadian team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup while central defender Carlyle Mitchell was with Trinidad and Tobago at the same tournament. Running Shoes Clearance . Bradwell was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday. Born and raised in Toronto, Bradwell is entering his sixth CFL season, with all six played for his hometown Argonauts. Clearance Running Shoes . Patrice Bergeron and Daniel Paille scored 20 seconds apart a few minutes after Stamkos was taken off the ice on a stretcher with a broken right leg, and the Bruins beat the Lightning 3-0 on Monday afternoon. http://www.runningshoesclearance.com/ . Francis told several hundred members of the European Olympic Committees that when sport "is considered only in economic terms and consequently for victory at every cost . Running Shoes Clearance Sale . -- Canadian Andrew Wiggins got the ball on the wing, made a nifty spin move and then let go with a soft floater from about 10 feet that swished through the net in Allen Fieldhouse. Cheap Running Shoes China . The judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 for Jones (19-1). It was the champions closest call. Despite the loss, it was a remarkable show by the confident Swedish challenger, who had the best of the early rounds and then hung on in the fourth and fifth. SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Goalkeeper Tim Howard did not travel with the United States for Tuesday nights World Cup qualifier at Costa Rica after injuring the adductor muscle in his right leg.Howard was hurt while making a goal kick in the first half of Fridays 2-1 loss to Mexico at Columbus, Ohio, and was replaced by Brad Guzan in the 40th minute.The U.S. Soccer Federation said Sunday that Howard returned to Colorado, where he is in his first season with Major League Soccers Rapids, for further evaluation and treatment.The 37-year-old Howard started for the U.S. at the last two World Cups. He took a one-year sabbatical after the 2014 tournament and alternated with Guzan when he returned, with Guzan starting at this years Copa America.ddddddddddddWhile Howard is playing regularly in his first season after leaving Everton in the English Premier League for Colorado, the 32-year-old Guzan hasnt appeared for Middlesbrough since August, and Howard regained the U.S. starting job.The Rapids play Seattle in MLS Western Conference finals on Nov. 22 and 27. ' ' '