(5) Portland Timbers (5,4,3, 18 points) vs (1) Seattle Sounders (6,2,3, 21 points)

Wednesday September 23, 2020 7:00 PM PST/ 10:00 PM EST

Providence Park, Portland, Oregon

Week 13

Portland Timbers Briefly

Just one thing to know: El Maestro is back!

For an eternal player like Don Diego Valeri, it was only a matter of time. He just wants to have fun playing the game he has been putting the work in at since his youth, but one thing cannot be denied – He’s back and he’s going to enjoy himself while he’s here.

We’re also getting to witness manager Giovanni Savarese’s strategy play out, after he started some players who were not active in the past tournament. Watching their energy and style of play says a lot about what passion for the game can do for the scoreboard.

As many have stated, it was a hapless Quakes we saw last week and the scoring frenzy was played out against a team lacking passion and punch.

The defensive side is getting a much-needed boost and though they are showing signs of improvement, there is still work still to be done. Offensively, with El Maestro leading the way, the Timbers’ attacking side came out roaring like a lion.

For Gio, believing in his young players is the name of the game. With that said, Diego Valeri is looking quite youthful and like a true champ, scoring with a brace and inspiring his teammates to do the same.

One thing I can say about the Rose City’s win at San Jose is that it uplifted the team’s sudden bad turn lately. They’re on the brink of a strong turnaround in this last leg of this 2020 season.

As the Timbers have shown, they can resolve and wrap up a game with style. Now it’s time to prove that they can take on the defending champions at home and with a loud bang.

Ready or not, the Timbers are the real deal!

Probable Lineup

GK Steve Clark, Marco Farfan, Julio Cascante, Dario Zuparic, Jorge Villafaña; Eryk Williamson, Diego Chara, Diego Valeri, Marvin Loria; Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Jeremy Ebobisse

Seattle Sounders Briefly

The Rave Greens are playing like they are looking to repeat as champions!

With a goal rout of 7-1 against a hapless Earthquakes, followed by another convincing win over LAFC, putting them in possession of the first place spot, they now come to play in a venue once considered challenging for them.

Well, maybe not recently, after sporting a 3-0 win at Providence Park over the Timbers, but their payback came back to the Rave Greens at home from the Portland side.

This game will be a contested affair for both sides.

As we are on the final stretch, a win for the Portland Timbers playing as locals over the Seattle Sounders would place them in first place in the Western Conference, as well as earning them bragging rights of the Cascadia Cup.

Something tells me that for manager Brian Schmetzer, every game he and his Rave Greens will be playing will have the the elements of a final, knowing they are looking to seize the ultimate win.

Both teams are looking very even in Round III of this epic rivalry, dubbed the Clash of the Titans of Cascadia!

Probable Lineup

GK Stefan Frei, Kelvim Leerdam, Yelmar Gomez, Xavier Arreaga, Nohou Tolo; Cristian Roldan, Joao Paulo; Joevin Jones, Nicolas Lodeiro, Jordan Morris; Raul Ruidiaz

Meetings

September 6, 2020 Seattle Sounders 1-2 Portland Timbers

August 23, 2020 Portland Timbers 0-3 Seattle Sounders

August 23, 2019 Portland Timbers 1-2 Seattle Sounders