Seattle Sounders FC 0
Portland Timbers 2
MLS Regular Season
Seattle, WA – Lumen Field
August 29, 2021
45,737 returned to Lumen Field for a Cascadia Derby match Sunday night. The Cascadia derby with a boisterous crowd has been a long time coming.
The recent 6-2 victory in Portland by the Seattle Sounders FC was still fresh in the minds of both sides as the two clubs moved north up Interstate 5 for a return match Sunday night in Seattle.
The first half was a physical affair. With Seattle looking to make up ground in the Supporters Shield race and Portland needing points to get into playoff position, no quarter was given.
Opportunities were created early and often, but neither side was able to convert. The visitors struck the crossbar in the 6th minute. The hosts created a number of chances, striking the woodwork on more than one occasion. The missed opportunities would be the story of the match. The overall physical play elevated the tempers on the pitch, eventually leading to a late first half yellow to Portland coach Giovanni Savarese.
With the second half well underway, neither side had managed to break through and the match continued to tighten up.
Sebastián Blanco broke through in the 57th minute when the Seattle defense completely broke down on a back pass that was intercepted. The interception created a long run through and cross for Blanco, who was served it on a platter, and he converted into the open net.
The Sounders responded on offense; earning numerous corners, but striking the post again or just missing close but wide multiple times. Timbers keeper Steve Clark came up big time and again, with the Sounders throwing numbers forward.
In the end, Seattle could just not break through. A second goal for Portland sealed the match late in stoppage time, when another defensive error opened Seattle’s goal and Felipe Mora made them pay again. Portland took the chances they were given, and a 2-nil final score line was the result. Schmetzer was direct when discussing the goals, “When you give your opponent goals, it’s too hard. We were on top of them in those moments.”
Portland got three points they desperately needed for playoff position and revenge for the earlier defeat.
Seattle created but did not convert, made a couple of truly costly defensiveerrors, but remain atop the Western standings.
BOX SCORE
Seattle Sounders FC 0 – Portland Timbers 2
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Venue: Lumen Field
Referee: Alan Kelly
Assistants: Logan Brown, Micheal Barwegen
Fourth Official: Nima Saghafi
VAR: Tim Ford
Attendance: 45,737
Weather: 70 degrees and clear
SCORING SUMMARY
POR – Sebastian Blanco (Felipe Mora) 58’
POR – Felipe Mora 90’+5’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR – Josecarlos Van Rankin (caution) 44’
POR – Giovanni Savarese (caution) 45’
POR – Diego Valeri (caution) 76’
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Cleveland; Alex Roldan (Nicolas Benezet 73’), Xavier Arreaga, Brad Smith (Jimmy Medranda 73’), Shane O’Neill (Fredy Montero 74’), Yeimar; Cristian Roldan, João Paulo, Nicolás Lodeiro; Kelyn Rowe (Will Bruin 88’), Raúl Ruidíaz
Substitutes not used: Spencer Richey, Nouhou, Danny Leyva, Abdoulaye Cissoko, Josh Atencio
Total shots: 16
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 14
Offside: 1
Corner-kicks: 12
Saves: 0
Portland Timbers – Steve Clark; Josecarlos Van Rankin (George Fochive 74’), Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Larrys Mabiala; Sebastian Blanco (Diego Valeri 65’), Eryk Williamson (Cristhian Paredes 12’, Bill Tuiloma 65’), Diego Chara, Yimmi Chara (Santiago Moreno 74’), Dairon Asprilla; Felipe Mora
Substitutes not used: Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Aljaz Ivacic, Marvin Loria, Blake Bodily
Total shots: 10
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 12
Offside: 0
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 5
