Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers

Lumen Field is the venue as Seattle Sounders encounter familiar foes Portland Timbers for a high-stakes Major League Soccer contest.

Despite alternating between winning (3) and not winning (D1, L1) across their last five league outings, Seattle Sounders are still occupying the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, a slim two-point lead on eighth-placed Minnesota United should not give the ‘Sounders’ a false sense of security. Instead, it should inspire them to defy their underwhelming three-game MLS home form (W1, D1, L1). Unfortunately, Portland’s upcoming visit does not bode well for Seattle’s pursuit of a sixth win in nine MLS home matches this season (W5, D1, L3). Brian Schmetzer’s men have won none of their last six home meetings with Portland in the regular MLS season (D2, L4).

Meanwhile, Portland Timbers fought back from a 2-0 deficit to hold Nashville to a 2-2 away draw last time out, extending their unbeaten MLS streak to four matches (W2, D2). This trip could prove pivotal to their hopes of closing a three-point gap on the Western Conference playoff line, as it will be a test of character. Indeed, the ‘Timbers’ have only won one of their ten MLS away fixtures this season (D5, L4) and none of the last seven (D4, L3). Moreover, Portland’s defensive frailties have seen them concede 2+ goals in three of their four most recent MLS road trips.