The Seattle Sounders are hosting the Portland Timbers on Saturday in their first Cascadia rivalry match of the season. Here is everything you need to know about the match:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 12 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field.
WHERE TO WATCH: The game will be televised on FOX following the conclusion of the FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea. Arrive early in Occidental Square to watch the FA Cup Final and enjoy a free concert by Robert DeLong!
WHERE TO LISTEN: The game will air on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and in Spanish on El Rey 1360AM.
2017 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 3-5-4 (13 points, 8th place West), Timbers: 5-4-3 (18 points, 5th place West).
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The Sounders are 8-5-4 all time in regular-season MLS play against the Timbers, including a 6-0-2 record at home. Seattle is currently riding a five-game winning streak against Portland at CenturyLink Field.
RECENT MEETINGS: The Sounders fell 4-2 to the Timbers at Providence Park on Aug. 28, 2016. Seattle beat Portland 3-1 win one week earlier at CenturyLink Field.
REIGNING CHAMPS: Saturday’s match features the previous two MLS Cup-winning teams. The Timbers won their first title in 2015 before the Sounders added their first last season. Seattle received its championship rings on Tuesday in a ceremony at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.
DEMPSEY DAGGER: Sounders forward Clint Dempsey has the most goals by any player on either side against the other since joining MLS. He has eight goals in just seven career games against the Timbers, including two last season.
RIGHTING THE SHIPP: Harry Shipp’s first-half goal against Real Salt Lake proved the difference in a 1-0 win and snapped a four-match winless streak. Shipp came out aggressively and his play was rewarded.
BRAD’S BACK: Brad Evans made his long-awaited return to the Starting XI last Saturday in what was his first start since that match at Providence Park against the Timbers last August. He missed the first two months of this season with a calf injury.
MAGIC MARSHALL: Chad Marshall went 68 for 68 passing against RSL, including 20 for 20 in the attacking half, for a 100 percent passing accuracy. Last Saturday was Marshall’s third consecutive match after missing three straight games with lower back pain, and he is back looking like his normal self.
DEFENSIVE STRUGGLES: The Sounders and Timbers have each won just once in their last five games and have each allowed 11 goals in that stretch. Whichever team can shore up their back four better on Saturday should have a solid shot at three points.
FRUSTRATING FANENDO: The Sounders will need to slow down prolific Timbers striker Fanendo Adi, who has seven career goals against Seattle. He is tied with Diego Valeri for the team lead in goals this season with six.
VENERABLE VALERI: In addition to his six goals, Valeri leads the team in assists (four) and is second in shots (27). One of the league’s best midfielders, he has 43 regular-season goals and 46 assists since he arrived in 2013.
CHARA CHASTISED: Portland Timbers midfield lynchpin Diego Chara is suspended for Saturday;s match after being ejected in last week’s 4-1 road loss to the Montreal Impact. Chara swung his hand to the face of Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti and was sent off in the 18th minute.
TIMBERS ROAD STRUGGLES: Portland has conceded three or more goals seven times in their last 12 MLS away games dating back to last season. The Timbers are also winless in their last three road matches and have conceded nine goals.
