Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers matches: Analyzing one of the biggest rivalries in the MLS

The Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers matches are intense and highly competitive, thanks to the passionate fans and players eager to outdo each other. Their rivalry is among the fiercest in Major League Soccer (MLS), but where did it begin? This article provides a detailed analysis of the teams and their head-to-head stats.

Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders are based in the Pacific Northwest region of America. Together with the Vancouver Whitecaps, they competed for the Cascadia Cup, which was awarded during every regular season in the North West region. Here are all the stats and details of the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers matches.

Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers matches

Seattle Sounders F.C. was founded in 1974 in Seattle, Washington, as part of the North American Soccer League (NASL). After competing for nine years, the team folded in 1983 but was revived in 1994 as a lower-division team. The franchise was incorporated in the MLS in 2007.

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Portland Timbers was founded in 1975 as an NASL expansion team. After several years of play, during which time it hosted legends like Pele, the club was founded in 2009 as an MLS expansion team.

The MLS teams first played each other in May 1975. The Sounders defeated Portland Timbers 1-0. In the second match, Portland beat Seattle Sounders 2-1, eventually knocking them out of the season's playoffs. In June 1979, Seattle defeated Portland 5–1, the most significant victory in American soccer at the time.

Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers rivalry

The two teams have been in rivalry since the 1970s when they were members of the NASL. According to online sources, Seattle residents always felt they had something to prove to the world. On the other hand, Portland residents are passionate about football because the city does not have several professional sports.

The rivalry cuts across players, fans, and coaches and is among the most brutal in American soccer. The 1979 playoffs significantly contributed to their rivalry. After several years, the franchises reconnected at the MLS in 2011.

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During the Timbers' entrance to the MLS, they installed a billboard outside the Seattle Sounders' stadium that read, Portland, Oregon, Soccer City USA 2011, fuelling the enmity between them.

Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers head-to-head

Every match between the Sounders and the Timbers brings the league to a standstill. The heightened tension draws numerous fans across the continent to watch as the teams battle it. Here is a list of the Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers trophies and stats in the MLS as of April 2024:

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Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers squad

The two North American teams boast some of the finest players in the MLS. Some of the athletes who have been part of the Seattle Sounders include Clint Dempsey, Fredy Montero, and Osvaldo Alonso. Some of the current players include Danny Musovski, J. Raven, and Braudílio Rodrigues. The team owns the Sounders Academy.

Some of Portland Timbers' first players were Steve Cronin, Eddie Johnson, and Ryan Pore. The current roster includes Jonathan Rodriguez, Felipe Mora, and Kamal Miller.

The teams have experienced transfers of elite players over the years, adding to their enmity. Portland's all-time assists leader, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, transferred to Seattle in 2007. In the same season, Andrew Gregor of the Seattle Sounders moved to Portland, causing heightened tension between the two teams.

Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers coaches

The Sounders have only had two coaches since joining the MLS. Brian Schmetzer was the Seattle Sounders' first coach in 2001. His first term lasted until 2008 when Sigi Schmid took over. He served the team for eight years before Schmetzer was reappointed in 2016. Since being included in the league, the Portland Timbers have had six coaches:

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• John Spencer (2010-2012)
• Gavin Wilkinson (July-December 2012)
• Caleb Porter (2012-2017)
• Giovanni Savarese (2017-2023)
• Miles Joseph (August - December 2023)
• Phil Neville (January 2024)

Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers achievements

What year did the Sounders win the MLS Cup? As of April 2024, the team has two MLS Cups, won in 2016 and 2019, while their rivals won it once, in 2015. In 2022, the Seattle Sounders became the first MLS club to compete in and win the CONCACAF Champions League.

They were also the first MLS franchise to participate and win the FIBA World Cup. Other Seattle Sounders trophies include:

• Supporters Shield (2014)
• U.S. Open Cup (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014)
• Western Conference Playoffs (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)
• Western Conference regular season (2014)
• MLS Fair Play Award (2017)
• CCL (CONCACAF Champions League) Fair Play Award (2022)

How many wins do the Portland Timbers have? Between 2004 and 2008, when the teams competed for the Cascadia Cup alongside the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle won twice, while Portland never won. Portland Timbers' trophies and achievements include:

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• MLS Runners Up (2018, 2021)
• Western Conference Champions (2015, 2018, 2021)
• Western Conference Regular Season winners (2013, 2017)
• MLS is Back Tournament (2020)
• MLS Fair Play Award (2011)

Frequently asked questions

The Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers have a long, winding rivalry that is unlikely to end soon. What are some frequently asked questions about these teams?

Do the Seattle Sounders have an MLS Cup?

The Seattle-based team boasts two cups, won in 2016 and 2019. Additionally, they made history in 2022 by becoming the first MLS franchise to win the CONCACAF Champions League.

When was the Portland Timbers founded?

The team was founded in 1975 as part of the National American Soccer League. After MLS was established, the team was incorporated in 2009 as an MLS expansion team.

Final word

The Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers matches, and their prolonged rivalry has kept football fans curiously following the two teams, especially when they compete. The MSL teams will undoubtedly keep the league vibrant as they continue to play for the most wins.

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