Two Western Conference rivals will face off in an MLS match on Saturday, August 31st, as the Seattle Sounders travel to take on the Portland Timbers. This match is set to start at 10:30 PM and will be played at Providence Park in Portland, OR. The Sounders are +205 on the money line compared to the Timbers at +114. The line for a draw is sitting at +270, and the goal total is at 2.5 goals. Seattle is 5th in the Western Conference, while Portland is 7th.
Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers Matchup At A Glance
- Teams: Seattle Sounders at Portland Timbers
- Where: Portland, OR at Providence Park
- Date: Saturday, August 31st
- Betting Odds POR +114 | SEA +205 O/U 2.5
Seattle Sounders Preview
The Seattle Sounders are in 5th place in the Western Conference, just one point behind the Colorado Rapids. Overall, the Sounders are 11-8-7, including a 5-6-2 record on the road. Over their last four matches, Seattle has gone 3-1, with their only loss coming at home against the 2nd-ranked Los Angeles FC. Following this match against the Portland Timbers, the Sounders will hit the road once again, taking on the Columbus Crew on September 7th.
The Seattle Sounders have taken more shots on goal than their season average in eight straight matches. On the season, they are 16th in the league in shots on goal. Jordan Morris is their top scorer, as he has found the back of the net 10 times. That is 19th in the league. Raúl Ruidíaz is 9th in MLS in shots on goal and has scored eight times. Albert Rusnák is their leader in assists, as he has 10 on the season. That is 6th in the league.
Heading into their match against the Portland Timbers, the Seattle Sounders' defense is currently 3rd in the MLS, allowing just 1.2 goals per match. However, they have given up five goals over their last three matches, including three to the Los Angeles FC. Stefan Frei is 5th in the league with seven clean sheets, and he is 19th in saves with 59. Overall, Seattle is 2nd in blocked shots and 8th in interceptions.
Portland Timbers Preview
Through 26 matches, the Portland Timbers have a record of 10-9-7, putting them 7th in the Western Conference. They have been much better at home, going 7-2-4 compared to just 3-7-3 on the road. Overall, they have been favored in 11 matches, going 7-1-3, while going 3-8-4 as the underdog. Over their last seven matches, the Timbers have gone 4-2-1. Following this match against the Seattle Sounders, they will be on the road to take on the Colorado Rapids SC on September 15th.
The Portland Timbers have been one of the most potent offensive teams in MLS this season, ranking third in goals per match at 2.0. Felipe Mora has been their top scorer, finding the back of the net 13 times, which is 11th in the league. Jonathan Rodríguez has also been a key contributor, leading the team in shots on goal and ranking 10th in goals scored. Evander has been the team's top playmaker, ranking second in MLS in assists and 13th in goals scored.
The Portland Timbers' defense has struggled this season, allowing the 2nd-most goals in MLS. They are also 19th in blocked shots and 17th in interceptions. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau has started 14 matches and is 101st in clean sheets. Over his last three starts, he has allowed an average of 2.3 goals. The Timbers' defense has had some rough outings, including allowing four goals to St. Louis City SC, who is 21st in scoring.
Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers Head To Head
The Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers have already met once this season, with Seattle coming away with a 2-1 victory. In that match, Seattle had five shots on goal compared to just two for Portland.
Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers Free Pick
Looking at how we expect this match to play out, we are going to take the Portland Timbers on the money line at +114. Our projections have this one finishing in a 2-1 final in favor of the Timbers. Portland comes in with the edge on offense, as they are 3rd in goals scored and 8th in shots on goal percentage. Our top projected goal scorer for the match is Jonathan Rodriguez of the Timbers.
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Pick: Portland Timbers +114
