MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: CenturyLink Field (Seattle, Wash.)
Forecast: Clear, 77 degrees
Referee: Alan Kelly
Assistant Referees: Adam Wienckowski, Kyle Atkins Fourth Official: Juan Guzman
National TV: FS1
Talent: John Strong (play-by-play), Brad Friedel (analyst), Julie Stewart-Binks (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Sunday’s match marks the second of three regular-season meetings between the Timbers and Sounders, with the two teams set to face each other again at Providence Park on Sunday, Aug. 28. In their first matchup of the season on July 17, the Timbers defeated Sounders FC 3-1 at Providence Park behind a brace from midfielder Diego Valeri and a goal from forward Fanendo Adi. Across all competitions, the Timbers are 3-1-0 in their last four matches against Sounders FC, dating back to June 16, 2015. The Timbers currently lead the 2016 Cascadia Cup standings with six points from their first three matches. Sounders FC venture into Sunday’s contest unbeaten in their last three league games (2-0-1), dating back to July 31. Jordan Morris leads the team in goals scored (8).
LAST MATCH RECAP
Playing the first game of a two-match road swing, the Portland Timbers were unable to overcome two first-half goals, falling 2-0 to D.C. United before 16,298 fans at RFK Stadium on Aug. 13. The loss snapped the Timbers’ five-game unbeaten run against United, marking Portland’s first loss at RFK Stadium.
LAST TIME VS. SOUNDERS FC
The Portland Timbers defeated Cascadia-rival Seattle Sounders FC 3-1 before a sold-out crowd of 21,144 fans at Providence Park on July 17, extending their unbeaten run to nine games in league play while recording their seventh home win of the season.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
One of North American soccer’s longest and most heated rivalries, the Pacific Northwest derby between the Timbers and Sounders dates back to the 1975 North American Soccer League (NASL) season, Portland’s first year as a professional club. Sunday’s match marks the 94th all-time meeting between the clubs. The Timbers have registered an overall record of 34-47-12 all-time against Seattle and a record of 7-8-4 during the MLS era, in all competitions. Sunday’s match is the second of three regular-season meetings scheduled between the rivals this season, with the Timbers defeating Sounders FC 3-1 at Providence Park on July 17 behind a brace from midfielder Diego Valeri and a late second-half finish from forward Fanendo Adi.
SCOUTING SOUNDERS FC
Under interim head coach Brian Schmetzer, Sounders FC venture into Sunday’s contest unbeaten in their last three league games (2-0-1), dating back to July 31. Forward Jordan Morris, who last scored in a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Aug. 14, leads the team in goals scored (8), while midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz ranks first on the team with six assists. In 22 regular-season games played in 2016, goalkeeper Stefan Frei has recorded five shutouts, 58 saves on 89 shots faced and a 1.27 goals-against average. Sounders FC recently acquired Uruguayan Designated Player Nicolas Lodeiro, who has scored one goal in three games played, finishing the game-winner in a 2-1 win against Real Salt Lake on Sunday.
