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
A long awaited matchup in this postseason and edition of Major League Soccer. With one of the most contested of rivalries to stage its first leg semifinals. I will compare each side and the advantages these will pose in two game series. The team with the best strategy and heart put in the field, for sure will become victorious in the end.
However, with both managers sporting similar formations, we have a contest. As they state in boxing terms pound per pound these two initial elevens are pretty even. Come Sunday and in midweek the best squad with heart, determination and ambition in the field will prevail.
For the Portland Timbers this time they have 180 minutes for the feat. In spite of the Seattle Sounders monstrous, close of campaign, with a five game winning streak. In the end, the team with the best strategy in the end will come victorious.
With two managers, experience in the postseason one in Major League Soccer with two back to back appearances in the Sounders Brian Schmetzer with a league title and second place. The aims and goals of the Rave Greens Boss is to net a consecutive third final appearance.
For Gio Savarese before his arrival in the Portland helm. His record under the New York Cosmos was somehow to admire for his amount of trophies and league titles won. Still tis was a minor association but overall the man now how to handle pressure too.
As the Seattle Sounders, these come with conviction to win and these showed it in the end. In the case of Portland with their first year manager and suddenly this squad is showing a more mature football. No favorites here but in the end soccer aficionados we may have sparks fly and be in this series on the edge of our seat.
That in the end will be a fact, and below is the comparison in every position.
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).
Goalies
Jeff Attinella- Portland Timbers vs Stefan Frei
Even
Defense
Zarek Valentin, Julio Cascante, Liam Ridgewell, Jorge Villafaña vs Kevin Leerdam, Kim Kee-hee, Chad Marshall, Nohou Tolo
Slight advantage Seattle
Defensive Midfielders
Diego Chara, David Guzman vs Ovaldo Alonso, Gustav Svensson
Portland Timbers advantage
Offenive Midfielders
Andy Polo, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco vs Cristian Roldan, Nicolas Lodeiro, Victor Rodriguez
Even
Forwards
Jeremy Ebobisse vs Raul Ruidiaz
Advantage Seattle
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).
MLS Western
Portland
