PORTLAND, OR – MAY 13: Portland Timbers 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders On May 13, 2018, at Providence Park Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/ProstAmerika).
Western Conference Semifinals- 1st Leg
(5) Portland Timbers vs (2) Seattle Sounders
November 4, 2018 2:30 PM PST/ 5:30 PM EST Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
With a win over FC Dallas in midweek, the Portland Timbers come with momentum. However, they are to face one of their utmost of foes in their conference and I-5 bitter rivals. In the course of the campaign with a couple of wins but a horrific loss via an OG play. The Portland Timbers are aware of the current positive streak the Rave Greens are displaying lately. In addition, of the Sounders after their bye, these are coming well rested.
Still these Timbers are for real and they can deliver mayhem on Brian Schmetzer and company. With the first match of this series is to play at Providence Park. The advantage leans towards the local PTFC.
In spite of their foes current positives, the Rose City Boys this Sunday is business as usual. As this series for sure will be a contested one. However, the Timbers will be missing dearly the likes of Larry’s Mabiala suspended after a flagrant foul in Dallas. In the case of Mr. Savarese he has always an ace under his sleeve and for sure he can reach from Bill Tuiloma or Julio Cascante.
So far, the way this squad game has displayed lately. In the match against Dallas lately By exposing a very mature Portland squad developing a more ambitious and mature football. Many can state both initial elevens being even, believe me both matches will expose the best of these squads.
No doubt, that Gio Savarese will send his new trademark 4-2-3-1 formation this Sunday.
GK Jeff Attinella, Zarek Valentin, Julio Cascante, Liam Ridgewell, Jorge Villafaña- Diego Chara, David Guzman- Andy Polo, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco- Jeremy Ebobisse
PORTLAND, OR – MAY 13: Portland Timbers 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders On May 13, 2018, at Providence Park Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/ProstAmerika).
Seattle Sounders at a glance
That August evening is still on Portland minds, after the Sounders upset them at home. With an OG play by Portland Julio Cascante the Sounders not only won the match as well snatch the Cascadia Cup. In spite the series being in favor of the Portland Timbers. In their three game series, one of those matches did not count in the Cascadia Cup.
After the win in Dallas, the Portland Timbers had a struggling Burn. In the Rave Greens we have a different foe these Timbers will have their hands full. As the Emerald City, squad winning its last five matches in a consecutive form. This two game series for sure will bring the best game from both squads.
With an arsenal in its offensive game and a wall in its defensive backfield, the challenge is on for the Rose City squad. For manager Brian Schmetzer the heat is on to look to advance into another Western Conference final. As he and his side are looking to their third consecutive final in the West. Still in the past, the Portland Timbers have played the role of spoilers against the Sounders.
In the end, the best squad with the best strategy will prevail. As manager, Schmetzer uses his trademark 4-2-3-1 formation, now favored by its counterpart Gio Savarese with a lot of success lately. In the end manager, Brian Schmetzer has his full initial eleven available for this match. In addition of coming focused and determined, this time the Sounders are rested to deliver mayhem against its cross the I-5 foe.
GK Stefan Frei, Kelvin Leerdam, Kim Kee- hee, Chad Marshall, Nouhou Tolo- Osvaldo Alonso, Gustav Svensson- Cristian Roldan, Nicolas Lodeiro,Victor Rodriguez- Raul Ruidiaz
2018 Matchups
August 26, 2018 Portland Timbers 0, Seattle Sounders 1
June 30, 2018 Seattle Sounders 2, Portland Timbers 3
May 13, 2018 Portland Timbers 1, Seattle Sounders 0
Prediction
Slight advantage for a rested Seattle and with a complete initial eleven, in the end these squads will end in a draw in the first leg. The second leg back in Seattle, will decide the outcome of this series.
PORTLAND, OR – MAY 13: Portland Timbers 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders On May 13, 2018, at Providence Park Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/ProstAmerika).
