MLS Regular Season
Score: Sounders FC 1 vs. Portland Timbers 0
Goal-scorers: Clint Dempsey (77’)
Site: CenturyLink Field
Man of the Match: Stefan Frei registered his fourth shutout of the season, which is tied for first in MLS. The Sounders FC goalkeeper wasn’t tested much in the first half on Sunday, but when called upon in the second period, Frei kept Portland off the scoreboard with clutch saves. After recording a career-high nine clean sheets in 2014, Frei is off to a strong start in his second year with Seattle.
Telling Stat: Clint Dempsey continued his streak of notching at least one goal or one assist in every appearance this season. By tapping in a rebound of Andy Rose’s shot in the 77th minute, Dempsey scored his sixth career goal against Portland, the most of any player in club history. He and Obafemi Martins now have four goals apiece this season, which is tied for second in the league.
After seven matches, the Sounders are tied for the fewest goals conceded in MLS (five) with the New York Red Bulls, who have played one less game than the Rave Green.
What You Missed: Prior to the match, Head Coach Sigi Schmid and former keeper Kasey Keller were honored for their elections into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The two were introduced on the pitch and received a standing ovation from the crowd of 41,451 at CenturyLink Field.
So What: As a result of two consecutive wins, Sounders FC is now 4-2-1 on the season. The club is also tied atop the Cascadia Cup standings with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, which won 2-1 over Portland on March 28. Seattle is aiming to win the Cascadia Cup for the first time since 2011. The Rave Green will now be on the road for the next three weeks, beginning with their first-ever match against expansion team New York City FC on May 3 at Yankee Stadium.
