MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Game Notes - Sounders FC Vs. Portland Timbers

Published on May 12, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


The final countdown has begun as one of North America's most colorful and contentious rivalry begins a new era. Seattle Sounders FC hosts the Portland Timbers for the first time in MLS play on Saturday night before a capacity crowd and a national audience on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. First kick is 8 p.m. PT on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Both Sounders FC (3-3-4, 13 points) and the Timbers (4-3-1, 13 points) are showing solid form of late with the Rave Green having lost only once in the last eight matches and Portland has won four of its last five.

Seattle is seeking its third straight home win as it begins a three-match home stand. Last week Sounders FC sustained its first loss in seven games, 2-1 at D.C. United, but rebounded to split the points against the Columbus Crew, 1-1.

While this represents the initial meeting between Seattle and Portland in MLS play, it will be the 75th clash between professional clubs representing the two Pacific Northwest cities-a series which dates back three leagues and 36 years. The Sounders and Timbers of the North American Soccer League first met on May 2, 1975.

More recently, Sounders FC crossed paths with Portland the past two seasons in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. Seattle eliminated its neighbors on both occasions en route to lifting the cup upon winning America's most historic tournament.

Sounders FC won, 2-1, at Portland in 2009 and advanced on penalties following a 1-1 draw last year in the Rose City. There will be no such cup collision this time around; the Timbers were eliminated by San Jose, 1-0, last week in a second-round MLS play-in.

Saturday is also the first of four Cascadia Cup fixtures for both teams. The three-team competition also includes Vancouver Whitecaps FC and is organized by the clubs' supporters groups.

Portland has caught fire at home, winning all four matches at JELD-WEN Field. That includes 1-nil wins over previously unbeaten Real Salt Lake and fast-starting Philadelphia. However, it's been another matter on the road, going 0-3-1 while being outscored 9-2.

Arlo White will call Saturday's match on 97.3 KIRO FM. The Rave Green visits Portland on July 10, with that match also televised by ESPN2.

Seattle will play two MLS Reserve League matches at home this week, both at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Wash. Chivas USA plays Sounders FC on Monday night at 7 p.m. PT and the Timbers reserves arrive next Sunday at 1 p.m. PT.

Next week Seattle hosts Sporting Kansas City on May 21 at 7 p.m. PT. Defending Western Conference champion FC Dallas visits on May 25. Tickets for all Sounders FC home matches are available at www.SoundersFC.com or by calling 877-MLS-GOAL.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 12, 2011


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