Sounders look to utilize recent performance on the road in upcoming match against Timbers

With only seven fixtures left in the MLS regular season, every match carries extra significance for the Seattle Sounders.

Home matches are especially important for the Seattle squad — particularly when it’s head-to-head with the Portland Timbers. 

“It’s obviously a big rivalry game at home and we know that we need to prove a point, so it’ll be an important one,” said forward Jordan Morris.

The Sounders’ most recent 2-1 victory over Austin FC gave the team a confidence boost after being unable to secure a win in the six matches prior (all competitions).

And they hope to utilize that boost come Saturday.

“Let's not waste a good draw and a good win on the road with a poor performance at home,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “Let's keep that moving…We have to be more consistent.”

No matter where the Sounders and the Timbers rank in the standings, it’s always a heated battle. And with this weekend being the final meeting between the two teams this season, it’ll be an absolute dog fight to see who finishes the three-game series with a victory.

“It's been frustrating for us to have [the Timbers] come into our building and get a result,” said Morris. “And I know it's been frustrating for the fanbase, so our whole goal is to change that on Saturday.”

While the Timbers have a tie and one win over the Sounders this year, the Rave Green are determined to change that narrative this Saturday as they look to build momentum off Wednesday’s win against Austin. 

“I think it's just about replicating that performance, playing as a team, trying to find times to transition and then being really good defensively,” said Morris. 

Pushing for postseason is on the Sounders’ minds but taking it game by game and focusing on what’s in front of them is their main objective as they head into Saturday. 

“It's going to be an exciting game,” said Schmetzer. “It's the best rivalry in MLS… the players feel it, the fans feel it, so it’s going to be a good game.”