Seattle Sounders are on a nine-match unbeaten run that includes a six-game winning streak. The Sounders have the better defense, the better goal differential, the better history among the sides. But this match is at Portland, and so the Portland Timbers are favored despite their porous defense and three-match losing run.
First year Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese has yet to lose to the Sounders. With a playoff spot on the line this game will be as fierce as any in the rivalry’s history.
Portland is strong coming out of half (+6 gd in the 15 minutes after halftime), but weak in the final moments of the match (-6 gd in final 15).