RECAP: Sounders secure comeback victory in rivalry match against Portland Timbers

The Seattle Sounders left Providence Park with three points after closing out Sunday’s match with a massive 2-1 victory against their bitter rivals, the Portland Timbers.

The Timbers opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Jonathan Rodríguez chested down an overhead ball in the box for a trailing Felipe Mora to score from close range.

But the Sounders responded quickly just four minutes later, when a long-range shot from Cristian Roldan deflected off a Timbers defender and the ball slotted into the bottom left corner.

It was an even first half with spells of possession and half chances from both sides, but it ultimately came down to the last 45 to determine a winner.

The Sounders took the lead just five minutes into the second half when Cristian Roldan drove the ball to Obed Vargas at the top of the box, who then laid it off to Raúl Ruidíaz to score on a spectacular one-time finish from distance.

The Timbers had a chance in the 85th minute to tie it up when Santiago Moreno tried to guide his shot from the top of the box toward the left corner of the goal, but it went just wide of the post.

The Sounders’ dominant defensive performance from all areas of the pitch in the second half limited Portland’s chances in front of goal, leading the Rave Green to three points on the road and a satisfying victory over their Cascadia rivals.

THREE TAKEAWAYS

Ruidíaz adds to his resume

Ruidíaz tallied his 13th goal against the Timbers with his golazo early in the second half, continuing his legacy as the highest scoring player against the Oregon side in MLS history. He is now tied among active MLS players with the most goals against a single club.

Sounders climb back

After trailing by one, the Sounders maintained their composure on and off the ball to climb out of a hole, scored two goals and solidified their third win of the season. The last time the Sounders beat their opposition after trailing in the beginning of the match was July of last year against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

A rivalry win on the road

To win a derby match on the road is a daunting task, but with the Sounders’ collective effort, the players were able to secure three points at Providence Park. This is the first time the Sounders’ have come away with a win over the Portland side since the club’s 6-2 blowout result in 2021.