Sounder Strategy: Timbers in Free Fall

While previous Portland squads have been known for defensive bite and transition play, the current Timbers team probably wishes everyone could forget about their play the last six weeks. A plague of injuries and uninspired performances has left Portland desperate for hope in this young MLS season.

Meanwhile, the Sounders are coming off a triumphant victory against a strong expansion side that has thrown MLS for a loop. Let’s look at how Seattle defeated St. Louis City’s press, and how they match up against their biggest rival, the Portland Timbers.

Sussing Out Seattle

St. Louis’ strategy in this match was to make the middle of the pitch inaccessible for the Sounders while funneling possession…