The Seattle Sounders closed out the 2024 MLS Regular Season with a 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers behind a goal from center back Yeimar.
Saturday night’s Decision Day rivalry matchup got off to a strong start for the Sounders as they dominated the midfield and dictated possession.
Seattle’s control began to translate into chances in the 19th minute when Jordan Morris slipped a through-ball for Pedro de la Vega, but the Argentine’s shot from inside the box was blocked by a sliding challenge from Finn Surman.
In the 27th minute, Cristian Roldan weaved through four Timbers defenders before playing a line-splitting pass to Paul Rothrock. The Seattle winger then beat his man and rolled a ball to Jordan Morris at the back post, but it was intercepted by a Portland player. Three minutes later, Rothrock dribbled past Juan Mosquera again before drawing a save from goalkeeper James Pantemis.
The Sounders finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Obed Vargas earned a corner kick after a dangerous run into the final third. Albert Rusnák served the ensuing set piece toward the middle of the box, where Yeimar rose highest and headed the ball into the bottom left corner for the 1-0 lead.
Seattle picked up where they left off to start the second half. In the 48th minute, Vargas slalomed through three defenders before playing a ball through the six-yard-box to Paul Rothrock, whose sliding shot flashed wide of the post.
Ten minutes later, de la Vega put Morris through on goal with a pinpoint through-ball, but the Mercer Island native was denied by a stellar kick save from Pantemis.
The Timbers pulled level in the 68th minute when Antony cut into the box and rolled his shot into the bottom corner. de la Vega almost came close to an immediate response when he burst into the penalty area and fired a shot to the far post, but Pantemis once again produced a smart skate save.
The match took another turn two minutes later when Vargas was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Stefan Frei produced a clutch stop in the 76th minute when he dove down to his left and used his fingertips to push an Evander shot onto the post.
In the 82nd minute, Rusnák struck a first-time shot that appeared destined for the bottom corner, but it was blocked out by a Portland defender.
The Sounders will face the Houston Dynamo in a Best-of-3 series in Round One of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Tickets for Game 1 will go on sale to the public on Monday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. PT on SoundersFC.com.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Frustrating Evening
Despite dominating much of the match – including the 20-minute spell in which they played down a man – the Sounders were unable to find a game winner. With Real Salt Lake winning their match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle fell to the No. 4 seed in the West.
Yeimar Dominates
Yeimar put in a commanding performance against Portland. In addition to scoring Seattle’s lone goal, the Colombian defender posted five interceptions, 14 recoveries and seven duels won.
Postseason Up Next
The Sounders enter the postseason with a 12-2-3 record from their final 17 matches in the regular season. They will face a Dynamo side they recently defeated 1-0 at Lumen Field on Sept. 28.
