Sounders draw with Timbers in reunited NW Cascadia Cup

Portland scores on free kick to tie Sounders in first MLS meeting

SEATTLE -  Pouring rain brought a classic Northwest soccer rivalry all back together.
The newly added Portland Timbers visited Qwest Field Saturday, May 14 in front of the largest crowd for an MLS game in Sounders history. The atmosphere was electric as always with more than 36,500 frenzied fans chanting in unison while jumping in support of the rave green team. A triangular section in the corner of the stadium was reserved for Timber Nation, but no chainsaw  from their team mascot was allowed into the stadium.
After a scoreless first half with some close calls, both teams picked it up early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, a Seattle throw-in from right sideline led to the first goal of the game. Montero passed the ball over to Alvaro Fernandez open on the left side of the field. He corralled the ball in, let it take a bounce and nailed a left-footed shot past the Timbers goalie as the fans erupted in celebration.
The Timbers got on the board 13 minutes later off a free kick. A Seattle foul about 30 yards away from their goal set the Timbers up in position to score. Timbers midfielder Jack Jewsbury fired a hard shot towards Kasey Keller that was headed in by Danso to tie the game. As the game went on in the second half, the rain fell relentlessly, slowing the game down for both teams. The first MLS Cascadia Cup match-up ended in a draw. Here is video of the game on SoundersFC.com
It was an exciting game to watch with both teams capitalizing on scoring chances. The Sounders played like the experienced, better team they are, but have found difficulty scoring with a slew of injuries to key players.
Midfielder Steve Zakuani is out for the season after a horrific collision on a dirty foul from the Colorado game where he broke his leg. The Sounders are also without forward O'Brien White, midfielder Mauro Rosalez and midfielder Brad Evans, who have combined for nine goals and six assists this season between the four players.
The next game for Seattle is Saturday, May 21 at Qwest Field as the Sounders take on Sporting Kansas City. I will be attending this game, so stay tuned for a recap of what will sure to be an exciting match.