by Graham Tooke, @chelskitooke
The second Cascadia Cup clash takes place this weekend down in Seattle when they host 8th placed Timbers.
But how does this concern the Whitecaps? They’re sitting pretty on top of the Western Conference with 16 points from 8 matches having battled to three 1-0 victories on the road at Chicago, Orlando and Salt Lake. So why would a contest between a pair of mid table strugglers concern us in British Columbia?
It’s fairly simple that defending the Cascadia Cup is always high on the list of objectives at least as far as the local support is concerned. So a result in favour of either side closes the gap on their rivals to the north of the border while giving either side an edge in the Cascadia Cup standings.
Chad Marshall is the latest victim of the MLS Disciplinary Committee
Caleb Porter has built up a difficult to break down backline but his side’s confidence in the final third is lacking and is a big part of why they have had to settle for three ties so far this season, while Sigi Schmid has let Dempsey and Martins off the leash allowing them the freedom to score at will.
Even scarier is Lamar Neagle has started to find the net.
A victory for Sigi Schmid on Sunday would see the Sounders close the gap to three points with two games in hand but obviously dependent on the outcome of the ‘Caps meeting with DC United. They will however, have to do without the suspended Chad Marshall.
Portland is only down the table because of their accumulation of draws.
Beating Seattle would see them jump above them into 3rd place. The chances of clinching three points would usually be a very tough ask but with Chad Marshall not marshalling the Sounders backline this weekend, Fanendo Adi might actually have his way with Brad Evans and Zach Scott. Keeping Dempsey and Martins quiet will be imperative to them squeaking out a win.
A third win of the season for Caleb Porter would definitely ease any early season pressure he has been feeling considering how his recent interviews have gone. It would also give his side an unnecessary lift in spirits with the Whitecaps traveling to Portland the following weekend for their second meeting of the season. They already outplayed the ‘Caps at BC Place and left without any points and will be desperate for revenge.
For anyone in Vancouver a 0-0 draw with a trio of sending offs for Portland’s Diego Chara, Nat Borchers and Caleb Porter would be a welcome prospect for easing up the following weekends clash at Providence Park.
Tooke’s Prediction:
Seattle Sounders 4-2 Portland Timbers
