RECAP: Sounders fall on the road against Portland Timbers

The Seattle Sounders suffered a 4-1 defeat against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Saturday night.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, with both sides closing out the first 45 minutes scoreless. 

The Timbers put the pressure on early, receiving a free kick just outside the box and a corner kick opportunity within the first two minutes of the match.

The Sounders responded with pressure of their own in the 9th minute when Nicolás Lodeiro crossed a dangerous ball into the box, a Timbers defender mis-cleared the ball, landing back into Lodeiro’s feet, and the Uruguayan midfielder took a shot of his own.

Léo Chú carved out a host of chances from the left flank for both Jordan Morris and Raúl Ruidíaz, but the Timbers backline barely produced several last-ditch clearances. 

The Timbers closed out the first half with a low-driven rocket from Dairon Asprilla in the left side of the box, but Stefan Frei timed it correctly to make the save.

In the second half, the Sounders opened the scoring in the 58th minute when Obed Vargas picked out the run of Ruidíaz, who hit a first-time shot into the back of the net.

Portland responded in the 71st minute when Asprilla struck an overhead kick off a lofted ball into the bottom corner of the net to level the score.

The Timbers managed to score another just five minutes later as Nathan Fogaça drove past several defenders on a breakaway and struck the ball into the bottom right corner.

The Timbers added a third goal in the 81st minute after Jaroslaw Niezgoda pounced on a rebound to tap the ball into the net from close range.

The Portland squad closed out the match with a powerful shot to the near post in the 89th minute from Asprilla to make it 4-1.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Obed Vargas makes an impact

For the first time this season, Vargas made the starting lineup for the Rave Green. He also earned his first career MLS assist when he supplied the pass on Ruidiaz’s one-time finish in the second half, supporting the team to their lone goal of the night.

Ruidíaz rounding into form

Ruidíaz recorded his second goal, finding the back of the net in back-to-back appearances. The Peruvian striker scored his seventh goal in eight matches at Providence Park, and his 11th goal in 13 matches against Portland in all competitions. 

Looking ahead to next match

The Sounders are at home next week, looking to maintain the fortress that makes up Lumen Field and bounce back with a win against Minnesota United (7:30 p.m PT; Watch free on Apple TV app | TICKETS). The Rave Green are undefeated at home so far this season, accounting for four shutouts.