Prior to last week’s defeat in the U.S. Open Cup, Sounders FC had beaten its rival Portland Timbers in four straight matches across all competitions. The Rave Green will have a chance to start a new streak and increase its lead atop the 2015 Cascadia Cup standings this weekend in the Rose City.
Here are three positional battles that could be crucial in Sunday’s game at Providence Park.
Tyrone Mears vs. Rodney Wallace
Mears traveled with the team to Philadelphia but was an unused substitute in the midweek tilt. He should be fresh on Sunday evening, when the veteran right back will likely duel with Wallace out wide. A talented and experienced midfielder, Wallace scored the game-winner in the 3-1 result at Starfire Stadium on June 16. He’s also one of three current Timbers who have scored two regular-season goals against Sounders FC in their careers.
Stefan Frei vs. Portland forwards
Earlier this week, Frei showed once again that he might be in the finest form of his career. The Swiss goalkeeper made four saves against the Union, including a stop of Maurice Edu’s penalty kick that would have given Philadelphia the lead in the first half. Frei, who leads MLS in saves (63), save percentage (82 percent) and shutouts (eight), would match his career high in clean sheets with another one this weekend. He’ll be tested by a deep group of Portland strikers that includes Designated Players Diego Valeri and Fanendo Adi.
Gonzalo Pineda vs. Will Johnson
Pineda played the full 90 minutes against the Union on Wednesday, and given the Sounders’ abundance of injuries, there’s a chance he will be doing so again this weekend. His start in Philadelphia was a good sign, as the veteran midfielder had missed the previous two competitive games with a knee injury. Johnson’s role as a defensive midfielder could be very influential on Sunday, as starting centerback and DP Liam Ridgewell will be unavailable due to his red card in Portland’s loss to the LA Galaxy earlier this week.
