Seattle Sounders Vs. Portland Timbers, Cascadia Cup Matchcard: Projected Lineups, Statistics

by Jeremiah Oshan on May 13, 2011 2:32 PM PDT in Sounders: MLS Regular Season

Everything we are hearing is that Brad Evans should be back this week, which leads us to believe we'll see a very Seattle Sounders similar starting lineup (4<4>2) as the one that played against DC United and Toronto FC. We're projecting that Tyson Wahl will start at left back against the Portland Timbers, but it could just as easily be Leo Gonzalez. It really doesn't look like there's a clear starter there anymore. We also have Jeff Parke in for Patrick Ianni, but that's also essentially a guess.

Outside of those positions, we see what qualifies as a standard lineup for the Sounders. Nate Jaqua should be fit to start, and should be in front of Fredy Montero. The big health question right now is Mauro Rosales, who seems more likely to come off the bench than start at this point. Expect to see Alvaro Fernandez on the left and Erik Friberg in the middle.

As for the Timbers, we asked Stumptown Footy for their projection and this is what they gave us. They set up in a pretty standard 4-4-2, with their fullbacks really joining the attack with a fair amount of regularity. Expect to ask yourself if Rodney Wallace and Jeremy Hall are really midfielders. Diego Chara has been playing in more of a box-to-box role alongside Jack Jewsbury, who's the primary set piece taker. Kenny Cooper is a pretty standard target forward and Jorge Perlaza is more of a goal-poacher. This is a team that likes to attack, but not necessarily through controlling the ball.

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I love Friberg

But I think I’d rather see Carrasco get the start again today. He played really well against Columbus and I’d rather we won 1-0 than 3-1. Also, will Wahl be okay going up against Nagbe? I might be buying into the hype, but that seems too much to ask.

by Agent_J on May 13, 2011 3:06 PM PDT reply actions

I wonder if Carrasco might be considered too much of a risk.

He looks like a steal but he can get sloppy and with emotions running high i’d be afraid of a red card. I’m guessing if we have a lead he is the first sub in though.

by DarthGreedo on May 13, 2011 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Why..

Wouldn’t you want win 3-1??
I’d take any win

"Kia Kaha" -Live strong

by Ravengreen on May 13, 2011 6:04 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Sorry

Why prefer a 1-0 over a 3-1 win???

"Kia Kaha" -Live strong

by Ravengreen on May 13, 2011 6:11 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

The only good rationale I can think of

is not giving the Timbers fans the satisfaction of a goal

by agtk on May 14, 2011 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions

"This is a team that likes to attack, but not necessarily through controlling the ball."

Wait, isn’t counterattack defense our Achilles heel? o.O

by Philip Mueller on May 13, 2011 3:53 PM PDT reply actions

Counter-attacks and set peices

which are pretty much the Timer’s MO. If they cede a lot of possession to us, though, we’ll hopefully be dangerous with it. This is definitely going to be a good game.

by Nevtelen on May 14, 2011 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions

It's a matter of focus

I never feel like our problems with set pieces are an innate thing (lack of height, jumping ability, etc.). It always seems like a lack of focus. This is the one game in the regular season where I feel pretty confident the Sounders are going to be focused and ready to play a full 90.

by Dizzo on May 14, 2011 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions