Winning is the only option when it comes to a rivalry match.
This is especially true on Oct. 19 when the Seattle Sounders face the Portland Timbers on Decision Day at Lumen Field.
“We're expecting a battle,” said forward Jordan Morris.
With a victory under their belts, the Sounders would secure the Cascadia Cup trophy and surpass the Vancouver Whitecaps with the most regional titles (8). A win or a tie for the Timbers would see the away side lift the trophy.
“We always want to beat Portland, no matter what the stakes are,” said Morris. “So it'll be a good game. Both teams will be up for it. Important one for both sides.”
To earn a trophy against your rivals is an achievement in itself, but the significance of the match goes beyond the Cascadia Cup.
If the Sounders pick up three points in their final regular season match, they will also secure a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. A draw or a loss would force the Rave Green to look at other MLS teams and their Decision Day results for support in order to slide into CCC qualification.
“There's a lot riding on this game, so we want to have a good result,” said Morris.
Decision Day
It all comes down to this: the biggest rivalry in MLS. We host the Portland Timbers in the final match of the regular season, with playoff seeding, Cascadia Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup qualification on the line.
The Sounders could find themselves at either the third or fourth spot in the Western Conference, depending on the outcome of the match. The team is optimistic their current momentum can carry them into the No. 3 seed heading into the postseason and provide home field advantage for multiple playoff rounds.
“If we're a tough team to break down, we know we have enough quality to score goals as well,” said Morris. “So, I think if we just play like we've been playing, we'll have a good result.”
On the other side of things, the Timbers are in dire need of a positive outcome given their winless streak in the last four matches. A loss would put them on the road in their play-in match while a win along with a Vancouver draw or loss would allow them to host the wildcard round.
The Sounders are determined to diminish any sort of hope the Timbers may possess heading into Saturday’s rivalry match.
“We're a good team, and [we’re] showing it,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “We want to make sure that we end on a good note and continue the momentum that we've already started to build.”
