Western Conference Semifinals- Second Leg
(5) Portland Timbers vs (2) Seattle Sounders
Thursday November 8, 2018 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Portland Timbers at a glance
Give round one to the hard-fighting Portland Timbers. Round two? Let’s talk after the next 90 minutes of action. Especially in CenturyLink Park where in the past the Rose City squad does not show positive numbers. One thing these Timbers have shown lately though is resolve and determination. After seeing how teamwork and unity can produce the best results it is time to ask whether an inspired and determined Timbers side can overtake the Seattle Sounders in an unfriendly atmosphere.
Forget this match seen as a Derby this is one serious reality filled game.
However, these Timbers do not go down that easily. After the Sounders first score, many in Providence Park thought that was the end. Not for these hard fighting and determined Rose City, initial eleven. In spite of the Rave Greens, stinging first their lead just lasted seven minutes. Somehow, a wakeup call for their opponent’s manager of this squad opinion of not being an easy prey. After the result, the Portland squad ended the Sounders positive streak.
This time a win for either side will send one home and the other further down the road in their playoff adventure For the Portland Timbers this is it, regardless of this match play on the road. Lately, they have come up strong to seize important wins. In the end the optimism shown today by manager Gio Savarese after practice shows his readiness of his squad for this definitive match.
GK Jeff Attinella, Zarek Valentin, Larrys Mabiala, Liam Ridgewell, Jorge Villafaña- Diego Chara, David Guzman- Sebastian Blanco, Diego Valeri, Andy Polo- Jeremy Ebobisse
Seattle Sounders at a glance
After the match was over in Providence Park Seattle Manager Brian Schmetzer knew of the implications. In spite of his squad is to play at home on the second leg, he is aware of the difficulties ahead. I mean with the way his I-5 foes are playing lately. The first leg left a reality check of how their foes are not a walk in the park.
Before this match, he and his Rave Greens were riding on a five game winning streak. Seen in all of Major League Soccer circles as one tough the squad to beat. In addition of sporting a bye and not being in the knockout rounds and coming rested. These saw a reality of why this squad dominated them in this campaign.
In spite of the loss last Sunday, for manager Schmetzer the man rallied his troops. As they, say there is another day, and that is the second leg. After all the man in the helm of the Sounders has a way to restore faith in his group. In this campaign, the Rave Greens were struggling and going to miss the postseason.
As a reputable tabloid in Emerald City states about the confidence of this fighting Sounders. Still the main idea is to contain the Timbers attack, led by Diego Valeri. Despite the Andean being the Portland top playmakers, the way to contain completely an inspired initial eleven, seen as one tough task for these Sounders.
So far, for manager Schmetzer his main weapon in the midfield will be Ozzie Alonso and Gustav Svensson to contain the Portland momentum. Never mind the past that Portland edges Seattle in the playoffs. Those numbers are somehow a thing in the past for Schmetzer and company.
Ready or not Seattle is in need of playing a very efficient offensive game as well stop their foes attack cold.
GK Stefan Frei, Kelvin Leerdam, Kim Hee-Hee, Roman Torres, Nohou Tolo- Osvaldo Alonso, Gustav Svensson- Harry Shipp, Nicolas Lodeiro, Victor Rodriguez- Raul Ruidiaz
2018 Matchups
November 4, Portland Timbers 2, Seattle Sounders 1
August 26, Portland Timbers 0, Seattle Sounders 1
June 30, Seattle Sounders 2, Portland 3
Prediction
No favorites despite Portland lead, the Seattle side comes with a goal advantage on the road.
Sounders FC
Portland
