Sounders v Timbers - Gamethread

As we've covered here quite a bit, the Portland Timbers are different this year. They are a quality side; even though they've been reduced they have a chance. Dead ball situations will be important. Portland has a +1 goal differential from non-PK dead ball situations, which may seem low, but belies their ability to score there. Seattle Sounders FC will need to either maintain or improve their own zero GD in the same situations to control the match.

They will also need to control the Dempsey space. Portland will have to tap their depth to get men on the field to try to control Clint. It is imperative that Sigi has his men use that area well. An early goal could change the game dramatically. Neither side has lost when scoring first. An initial flurry of pressure may define the match. The Timbers have 10 points in 9 matches after giving up the first goal. Seattle has an even worse 4 points in 10 played after sacrificing advantage. Make the enemy's goal down. That matters more than the crowd.
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"Now when are you going to put me up against a good army?" Ender

TV: ESPN2 (Healey/Twellman/Lalas) - 7 PM Pacific
Radio: KIRO FM 97.3 (Fletcher/Keller)

Referee: Jair Marrufo - MLS Career: 153 games; FC/gm: 24.0; Y/gm: 3.0; R: 32; pens: 45
AR1 (bench): Frank Anderson; AR2 (opposite): Adam Garner; 4th: Tyler Ploeger

Disabled List: SEA: Josh Ford, Steve Zakuani

Suspended: PDX: Diego Chara
Suspended next yellow card: SEA: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Djimi Traore | PDX: Pa Modou Kah, Ben Zemanski
Suspended next two yellow cards: SEA: Zach Scott, Eddie Johnson, Leo Gonzalez | PDX: Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Will Johnson

International Absences: None

Tactical Keys

• Set-Play Battle
• Dempsey Space
• The Enemy's Goal Is Down
• You Will Hear Us

Player Matchups

• Leo Gonzalez v Darlington Nagbe
• Clint Dempsey v the reserves
• Eddie Johnson v Donovan Ricketts

How Dave's Watching
Scarf: Enemy's Goal Is Down
Kit: 2009 Rave Green
Where I'm Watching: Sec: 214, Row: B/C, Seat: 1,2,3

Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum

YOU WILL HEAR US