Seattle Sounders: Four Keys Ahead of Portland Timbers Clash
By Paul Taylor
Prediction
Jul 13, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Marco Pappa (10, left) celebrates with forward Obafemi Martins (9) and forward Clint Dempsey (2) after scoring a goal against the Portland Timbers during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It may be early in the season, but the first of three games between Seattle and Portland in 2015 takes on added importance. Apart from local bragging rights, just one point separates the two sides heading into this Cascadia Cup clash.
It’s fair to say the Sounders have yet to find the form, which saw them storm through the regular season last year to clinch the Supporters Shield. Fortunately, the Timbers haven’t exactly being firing on all cylinders either.
Overall, I can see this game going against the recent trend between the two sides, and turning into a tight, lower-scoring affair than usual. Ultimately though, the Sounders will have just enough to squeak out a 2-1 win against their hated rivals.