Portland Timbers saw off Seattle Sounders 2:1 in Major League Soccer's regular season opener on August 2nd. The hosts needed a late goal to secure three points against a side that had dominated their previous meeting 5:1 just weeks ago. By then, the momentum had shifted decisively in Portland's favour.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi gave Seattle the lead in the 27th minute, a moment that caught Portland off-guard. The visitors were not to stay ahead long, with Kevin Kelsy equalising before half-time in the 41st minute. The home side then found a winner through Brandon Bye in the 82nd minute, ending a barren spell.
Portland controlled the tempo with 53 per cent possession but did not always make the most of it. They registered 11 shots on target across both sides combined, yet only converted three attempts. Expected goals of 1.77 for Portland suggested they created better quality chances, though the margin was not as wide as the statistics implied.
The visitors were more defensive, making 18 successful tackles compared to Portland's six. Seattle created three big chances but could not convert them, while Portland's goalkeeper made only two saves. The match was punctuated by four yellow cards, none of which altered the flow significantly.
Portland remain eighth with 32 points from 24 games, while Seattle sit 13th on 27 points from 22 matches. The result ended Seattle's recent struggles, but they still trail behind the teams above them. This match will not define either season, but it showed where the gaps lie.