The Seattle Sounders host the Portland Timbers on Sunday (7:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM) in the second meeting between the two sides in the 2020 MLS regular season. Here are three matchups to watch.
Raúl RuidÃaz vs. Larys Mabiala
Raúl RuidÃaz is an absolute menace against the Portland Timbers.
Dating back over 100 matches across every iteration of the professional game in this country, the Sounders and Timbers boast the best rivalry in American soccer. Having a dedicated villain for the opposing team injects new life into these storied matchups – perhaps best personified by Clint Dempsey’s tenure as a heel for the Timbers.
RuidÃaz, who bagged a brace in Seattle’s 3-1 win at Providence Park back in August, has emerged as a candidate to assume Deuce’s mantle as the ultimate antagonist for Portland. A big-game player throughout his time in Rave Green, the Peruvian striker especially loves playing against the Timbers, as he’s notched seven goals and two assists from six matches across the MLS regular season and playoffs. If he can maintain that rich run of form on Sunday, the Sounders will be poised to pick up three points.
João Paulo vs. Sebastian Blanco
João Paulo has been a revelation in midfield for the Sounders, blending defensive steel with elite passing pedigree in the center of the pitch. Following a quiet – yet effective – match at Portland, JP was dominant in Seattle’s 3-1 over LAFC as he provided a glimpse of the qualities he offers. He’ll need to replicate that level of performance on Sunday as he squares off against Blanco, a player that has been in excellent form regardless of his team’s results.
Portland’s Argentine playmaker took home the MLS is Back Tournament MVP award, with three goals and five assists during the Timbers’ title run in Orlando. While his team is yet to win a game since then, Blanco has still managed a goal and two assists during that span. If Seattle hopes to pick up three points on Sunday, JP will need to limit Blanco’s influence on the match.
Yeimar Gómez vs. Jeremy Ebobisse
Coming off his first MLS goal and Man of the Match award, Yeimar Gómez will face another difficult task on Sunday. One of the best up-and-coming American strikers in MLS, Ebobisse has been integral to the Timbers’ resurgent attack this season. As outlined by Matt Doyle at MLSsoccer.com, Ebobisse’s combination play up top has brought out the best of fellow attackers like Blanco and Diego Valeri. If Gómez can disrupt the Timbers striker’s rhythm, providing a physical presence when he tries to post up and jumping in front to intercept passes, it will go a long way to breaking up the flow of Portland’s attack.
