KeyBank Scouting Report | Timbers and Sounders set for next chapter in Cascadia rivalry

Timbers.com Staff

Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. On Sunday, the Portland Timbers host rival Seattle Sounders FC at Providence Park. Kickoff has been moved to 7pm PT (FS1).

Team Form

Seattle are currently in second place in the Western Conference on 33 points, one point behind first place Sporting Kansas City, with a record of 9-3-6. They most recently drew, 1-1, with FC Dallas at Lumen Field in Seattle on August 4.

The Sounders have collected just four points over their last five regular-season matches (1-3-1) including going winless in three straight. Seattle has dropped more points in the last five games (11) than it did in its first 13 games this season (10 – 8-0-5). Portland last faced the Sounders on May 9 at Providence Park, losing 2-1.

In midweek play, Seattle defeated Tigres UANL 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup.

The Sounders are led by Brian Schmetzer who, in his sixth season as the team's head coach, has an MLS record of 95-49-45.

In attack

The Sounders attack is multifaceted but the majority of it is centered on forward Raul Ruidíaz. The Peruvian Designated Player is tied for the league lead in goals (11) to go along with one assist.

Longtime Portland nemesis Fredy Montero has four goals and three assists while outside back Brad Smith has three goals and three assists. Midfielder João Paulo leads the team with six assists while midfielder Cristian Roldan has two assists.

In Defense

Defenders Yeimar, Nouhou and Alex Roldan were all named to the 2021 MLS All-Star Team and all three help anchor a strong backline. Yeimar has appeared in all 18 games of the season for Seattle, scoring one goal in and Roldan has a goal and three assists.

An early season injury has limited veteran goalkeeper Stefan Frei to only five games but in his place, Stefan Cleveland has started 12 matches, earning three clean sheets.

Cascadia Cup

Sunday's match marks the return of the three-team Cascadia Cup competition. Begun in 2004 by the supporters groups of Portland, Seattle and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Cascadia Cup is awarded to the team and their supporters group with the best record in intra-team regular-season play between the trio.