Everything you need to know about Timbers-Sounders

Jeremiah Oshan -

The Seattle Sounders were flying high until Wednesday’s 4-0 loss to LAFC, but will be looking for a bounce back today when they visit the Portland Timbers. Even with that loss, the Sounders have won 4 of 6 and have a chance to finish off this three-game week with six points.

The Timbers come into this game having lost just once since March 8, going 5-1-4 in their past 10 league matches.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

OUT: Paul Arriola - Knee; Jordan Morris - Hamstring; Jackson Ragen - Hamstring

Timbers

OUT: Kevin Kelsy - Lower Body; Zac McGraw - Back; James Pantemis - Leg

QUESTIONABLE: Diego Chara - Lower Body

Opposition players to watch

  • Antony: The left winger doesn't get a ton of attention, but he’s quietly putting together a stellar season with four goals and five assists in 13 matches. He’s been a key part of why the Timbers are so hard to slow down on the counter-attack.
  • David Costa: Although he’s not put up huge numbers, Costa has been very effective at filling Evander’s shoes, albeit in a very different way. While Evander was a lot of big swings and memorable highlights, Costa is a much more controlled player, but one who also gives the Timbers a bit more balance.

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Stats to look smart

-3.7: The Timbers have started well, but the underlying numbers suggest they might be due for some regression. Their xGD of -3.7 is 24th in MLS.

+7.3: Despite the poor result on Wednesday, the Sounders still have a xGD of +7.3, which is tied for third best in MLS.

Tactics to impress

  • A year after being one of the most wide open teams in MLS, the Timbers have slowed things down quite a bit more this year. What they have done exceptionally well is make the most of their scoring chances. They have some very skilled attacking players and don’t waste the looks they get.
  • More than anything, the Sounders thrive on moving the ball forward and creating high-quality chances. That’s been especially true ever since Danny Musovski moved into the starting lineup. Being aggressive seems to suit them.

Kit matchup

Standings

Other reading

Ship’s Log, May 16: Get used to disappointment
Against the Portland Timbers you should expect to see the Seattle Sounders fail, a lot.
Sounder at HeartDave Clark
Tukwila Nights: A Lobbing Scorchers Matchday Story
A mini documentary about the U.S. Open Cup between Tacoma Defiance and Portland Timbers.
Sounder at HeartNoah Riffe
Postgame Pontifications: Sometimes a loss is just a loss
There’s no need to have any grand takeaways from a result, even one as bad as this one.
Sounder at HeartJeremiah Oshan
The Jesús Ferreira Dilemma
The Sounders are trying to figure out the best way to use a clearly talented player.
Sounder at HeartSebastián Bush

More listening

We're not freaking out about the loss to LAFC and neither should you
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