MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016
Kickoff: 2 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Mostly sunny, 83 degrees
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Assistant Referees: Frank Anderson, Jeff Hosking Fourth Official: Alex Chilowicz
National TV: ESPN
Talent: Jon Champion (play-by-play), Taylor Twellman (analyst), Allison Williams (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Sunday’s game marks the third and final regular-season meeting between the Timbers and Sounders FC, with Portland earning a 3-1 victory over Seattle on July 17 at Providence Park behind a brace from midfielder Diego Valeri and forward Fanendo Adi. Across all competitions, the Timbers are 5-1-2 in their last eight home games against Sounders FC, dating back to June 24, 2012. Portland currently sits atop the 2016 Cascadia Cup standings with six points from its first four matches, tied with Vancouver Whitecaps FC on points. Sounders FC venture into Sunday’s contest following a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Aug. 24, which brings their record on the road this season to 2-7-3. Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris lead the team in goals (8).
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers fell 3-1 against Seattle Sounders FC before 53,302 fans at CenturyLink Field on Aug. 21 after surrendering three second-half goals to the home side.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
One of North American soccer’s longest and most heated rivalries, the Pacific Northwest derby between the Timbers and Sounders dates back to the 1975 North American Soccer League (NASL) season, Portland’s first year as a professional club. Sunday’s match marks the 95th all-time meeting between the clubs. The Timbers have registered an overall record of 34-48-12 all-time against Seattle and a record of 7-9-4 during the MLS era, in all competitions. Sunday’s match is the third and final regular-season meeting scheduled between the rivals this season. In the first match held between both teams at Providence Park on July 17, the Timbers defeated Sounders FC 3-1 behind a brace from midfielder Diego Valeri and a late second-half finish from forward Fanendo Adi.
SCOUTING SOUNDERS FC
Under interim head coach Brian Schmetzer, Sounders FC venture into Sunday’s contest unbeaten in their last five league games (3-0-2), dating back to July 31. Forward Jordan Morris and Clint Dempsey both rank tied for first on the team for goals scored (8), while midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz ranks first on the team with six assists. In 24 regular-season games played in 2016, goalkeeper Stefan Frei has recorded five shutouts, 66 saves on 99 shots faced and a 1.25 goals-against average. Sounders FC venture into Sunday’s contest following a 1-1 contest against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Aug. 24, with Nicolas Lodeiro scoring in the final minute of the game, bringing their record on the road this season to a 2-7-3.
