The Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers battled to a scoreless draw on Saturday afternoon as part of a doubleheader with OL Reign and the Portland Thorns at Lumen Field.
Seattle and Portland traded possession throughout the first half but were unable to convert control into clear-cut chances.
The Timbers put the pressure on first, with a Dairon Asprilla shot attempt inside the eighteen-yard box in the 27th minute, but it was easily saved by Stefan Frei.
Just four minutes later, Fredy Montero found open space just outside the right side of the box to hit a low-driven shot at goal, but it rolled wide of the far post.
The Sounders’ defensive corps stood resolute as the team closed out the half with a slide tackle from JP in the center of the pitch, denying a potential counter attack for the Timbers.
The second half shifted into a more dominant performance from the Rave Green. With several passing combinations down the flanks, while dominating possession, the Sounders had multiple goal scoring opportunities in the final 45 minutes.
In the 63rd minute, a give-and-go between Cody Baker and Cristian Roldan culminated in the latter clipping a cross to the back post for Léo Chú, but his headed effort was redirected just right of the goal.
Roldan continued to influence proceedings from the right flank in the 75th minute when he bent a ball to the far post for Yeimar, but the center back’s header was blocked out for a corner.
Nouhou had an opportunity to close out the game with a one-time finish from the top of the box in extra time, but his volley went over the goal.
The Sounders back line prevented the Timbers from having any legitimate chances to score, finishing the match with a shutout.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Academy Involvement
Three Sounders Academy products in Reed Baker-Whiting, Cody Baker and Jackson Ragen made the starting lineup in Saturday’s rivalry match against the Timbers. This is the first time this season all three players started on the pitch together. While Ragen has cemented himself as a week-in, week out starter, Baker and Baker-Whiting put in impressive performances that demonstrated their potential be significant First Team contributors.
Influence of João Paulo
After missing Wednesday’s match due to a red card in the New York Red Bulls game, João Paulo made his presence known on the pitch, making massive defensive efforts in the center of the park. While the Timbers attempted to utilize the middle of the field in their offensive build-ups, the Brazilian denied them countless opportunities toward goal.
Roldan Returns
Cristian Roldan made his first appearance since suffering a concussion back on April 8. Seattle’s No.7 immediately injected life into the attack, stringing together quick combinations and providing incisive movement off the ball. After missing 11 matches, Roldan’s familiar grit and quality were a welcome sight at Lumen Field.
