Sounders v Timbers - MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals

Joseph: The Sounders' gamble that didn't pay off

Despite his best efforts, Joseph was simply never able to do what the Sounders had wanted of him.

Highlights (?), Quotes from the Portland loss

If you've recovered from the loss last night enough, here are a few post-game quotes to take in.

Sounders crash out of MLS Cup Playoffs to Portland

The final aggregate score looks respectable. Leg 2 was not. False hope was granted, but failure consumed Seattle in the first 45 minutes of leg two.

Sounders v Timbers - Leg Two 2nd Half Gamethread

Well now Seattle is down three goals with just 45 minutes of life left in their second season.

Sounders at Timbers - Playoffs Leg 2 - Gamethread

Portland enters the match with a one goal lead. The winner by total aggregate score moves on to the Western Conference Finals. These are the only 90 minutes that matter, or 120 minutes. That could happen too.

What Has Come Before and What Will Be

Nothing is certain. Not even a lead in the home leg of a playoff series.

Sounders at Portland Timbers - Leg Two Questions

Heading down for a road match down a goal Seattle will need to do what only one team has done to Caleb Porter's club in MLS play - win at the Glass House.

Defending Wide Spaces

YNYA Films presents: I Do Not Fear. (video)

Game State, Regarding Portland v. Seattle

Caleb Porter blamed Seattle's statistical strength in the first leg -apart from the scoreline - on strategy. Is he right?

Second leg history of Sounders FC

Comebacks when down heading into two legs are not rare (they aren't really common either), as Joshua Mayers points out Sunday. Even better Seattle's pretty good in the second leg historically.

Sounders down only one goal at half. (Animated)

First half is over. Only one goal is the difference for the second half and with all to play for. Portland surely were heading into game two with a 2-goal advantage were it not for a late volley from Osvaldo Alonso to make the final 1-2.

Pace and Possession favor Seattle, still lose

This may seem like sticking the hand up the puppet of statistics, and maybe it is. But when a possession based team has their worst outing of the year by that measure just maybe Seattle Sounders FC did something right last night.

Sounders vs. Timbers: Highlights, stats, quotes

The Timbers picked up a pair of goals, but the Sounders have some shred of life after picking up one of their own.

Tifo SEAvPOR

Sounders vs. Timbers: Photo gallery

Sounders head into second leg trailing 2-1.

Sounders head to leg two down a goal

Eventually the season long issue of an offense that could not generate chances & was worse than league average at converting those would fall victim to that issue. SSFC lost to PTFC due to a defensive gaffe, a brilliant goal & a lack of conversion.

Sounders v Timbers - Leg One Gamethread

2013's MLS Cup Playoff run continues with one the grand spectacle of Portland v Seattle. NBC Sports Network has your TV. There is both national and local radio. Kickoff is shortly after 7:00 PM Pacific. The series is decided by total aggregate score

2013's Scouting Reports of Timbers v Sounders

Windy and wet for Cascadia Playoff match

Football lines

Sounders v Timbers - Playoffs 11 Questions

The two MLS Cup Playoff clubs are as familiar with each other as possible, yet they can still learn more. Saturday's first leg promises to have everything that makes for historic moments (national TV, rivalry, high stakes and a huge crowd).

YNYA Films presents: Witness The Rise (video)