In what is preseason tradition the Seattle Sounders are again in Tucson, though this year they are not part of the Desert Diamond Cup, nor its successor the Mobile Mini Sun Cup. Due to CONCACAF Champions League obligations the team is only playing a single match at the Kino Sports Complex. Facing the revamped Portland Timbers, Brian Schmetzer’s side is focusing on a few issues -- starting forward, Joevin Jones replacement and bench depth at CB and attacking mid.
Portland has bigger issues. They have a new coach after Porter quit on them.