By Toby Dunkelberg
It’s once again derby day in the Pacific Northwest, as Seattle travels down to Portland for their second MLS matchup of the year. These teams faced each other just two weeks ago in a heated, controversial US Open Cup fixture that saw the Sounders temper get out of control and end their unbeaten streak at Starfire Sports Complex. Clint Dempsey’s antics in that game and the ensuing suspension cost him a spot in today’s feature.
The Sounders will also be without the injured Obafemi Martins, while Chad Barrett’s status is still unknown. With that Seattle is down to their fourth string striker in Darwin Jones. Sigi Schmid has so far opted to push Lamar Neagle up top instead of starting the rookie. In his few starts up top, Neagle has largely been ineffective and unable to get on the score sheet. Jones hasn’t shown anything in his short stints at substitute to push the issue. The blame doesn’t lie solely on Neagle though, as Seattle hasn’t scored in MLS play since their 3-0 win against Dallas three weeks ago.
The good new for Sounders fans is that this may be the first game back for Osvaldo Alonso. Micheal Azira has filled in admirably for the Cuban, but there’s no denying that Alonso is a step above in talent and sheer physicality, the later of which is crucial in a derby matchup. It’s a good thing too that Alonso is going to be back. Without him in the lineup, the Sounders defense, which is still the league’s best, gave up the only goal of the match against basement dwellers Philadelphia Union.
Portland is also coming off a midweek embarrassment in the form of a 5-0 dismantling at the hand of the LA Galaxy. Everything went wrong for the Timbers in Carson. Urruti was completely ineffective, their defense had holes large enough to drive buses through and their back line lynchpin Liam Ridgewell got sent off late with a red card when the score was already 4-0.
The Timbers are looking to put that all behind them as they matchup against a weakened Seattle side. Assuming no significant changes, Portland will have the talent advantage in their own stadium against their rivals. Will Johnson and Diego Valeri are back, and although Valeri went 70 minutes on Wednesday he’s still expected to play. But if Portland gets a goal or two up look to see him come off as he’s still getting back to full fitness after his injury.
The only real loss for the Timbers is the absence of Ridgewell. In his place we’ll see Paparatto, who despite his recent string of solid play, is untested in a matchup of this caliber and is a clear downgrade. Look for Seattle, and Neagle in particular, to try and exploit his lack of chemistry and experience.
With both teams tired from their midweek away games expect to see a more defensive play, especially from the Sounders. Without their key offensive pieces, tired from the cross-country road trip, and on the road in their rivals stadium, the Sounders would gladly take a draw.
Portland, coming of their first loss in five games, is looking to pick up right where they left off befor
e their loss midweek. At home against their rival, and with the talent advantage, they’re expecting to win and beat the Sounders twice in two weeks. It’ll take a special performance from the Sounders to upset that storyline, but it’s a task they’ve done before.
Predicted Result
Portland Timbers 3, Seattle Sounders 1
Urruti (Valeri)- 16’
Wallace (Urruti)-33’
Pappa (Pineda)- 50’
Adi (Fernandez)- 67’
