Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Providence Park Sun, 2 Aug - 2:45 AM
Major League Soccer
Portland TimbersPOT
2 1
Seattle SoundersSEA
Full Time Sun, 2 Aug 2:45 AM
Regular Season
Brandon Bye - 82'
Goal
|
Goal

CONTEXT

Portland Timbers hosted Seattle Sounders in a closely contested match that concluded with a 2-1 victory for the home side. The teams entered halftime level at 1-1 after an even opening period. Portland controlled 53 percent of possession while Seattle held 47 percent. Expected goals favored Portland at 1.93 against Seattle's 1.05, producing a differential of 0.88. The stronger pre-match side Seattle fell short despite their reputation. No red cards occurred for either team. Portland secured the win in line with their underlying metrics and the final scoreline reflected the balance of chances created throughout the ninety minutes.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Portland Timbers 2-1 Seattle Sounders. Portland Timbers showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with performance indicators across both halves.
  • xG alignment: The final outcome proved consistent with the expected goals figures recorded.
  • Market alignment: The result aligned with available pre-match indicators for the fixture.
  • xG expectations: Portland Timbers posted 1.93 xG while Seattle Sounders finished with 1.05 xG.
  • Event impact: The match progressed without notable disruptive events altering the outcome.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards were shown, leaving game dynamics free of such distortion.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
J. Dickerson
J. Dickerson
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
J. Hanson
J. Hanson
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
L. Brown
L. Brown
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
L. Hernandez
L. Hernandez
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Portland Timbers M. Cifuentes Corvillo
M. Cifuentes Corvillo
VS
Seattle Sounders B. Schmetzer
B. Schmetzer
1.24
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.5
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Real Salt Lake Rank: 65 W
Dallas Rank: 66 D
Seattle Sounders Rank: 70 W
SJ Earthquakes Rank: 66 L
Inter Miami Rank: 78 L
CF Montréal Rank: 59 D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
0.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
Philadelphia Union Rank: 63 L
Austin Rank: 57 L
Portland Timbers Rank: 59 L
Los Angeles FC Rank: 74 L
LA Galaxy Rank: 63 L
SJ Earthquakes Rank: 66 W
2
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
2 - 2 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
64.28
68.2
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Portland Timbers
Seattle Sounders
Power Score
64.28
68.2
League Position
8
9
Global Rank
483
356

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Portland Timbers — Opponent-weighted form score
Seattle Sounders — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Portland Timbers Seattle Sounders

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Portland Timbers

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Seattle Sounders

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Portland Timbers ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Seattle Sounders
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
34.06
39.15
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
39.15
34.06
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Portland Timbers -0.35 Efficiency Index
vs
Seattle Sounders +0.35 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Portland Timbers
Seattle Sounders
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Portland Timbers
vs
Seattle Sounders
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Portland Timbers Seattle Sounders
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
1%
48%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.03 vs -0.51
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Portland Timbers Seattle Sounders
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
48%
1%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.51 vs -0.03
Portland Timbers
Seattle Sounders
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Portland Timbers
vs
Seattle Sounders
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Portland Timbers Seattle Sounders
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Portland Timbers 0.17
Seattle Sounders 0.33
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Portland Timbers Seattle Sounders
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Portland Timbers 0.02
Seattle Sounders 0.02
Portland Timbers
Seattle Sounders
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • SEA had peak pressure around 35'.
  • POT started the game with stronger pressure.
POT Pressure SEA Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: SEA reached the top pressure at 35' (91.24).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 6 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Portland Timbers POT Home
6 matches
Seattle Sounders SEA Away
Match Record
2
Wins
2
2
Draws
2
2
Losses
2
Goals
9
Goals Scored
6
6
Goals Conceded
9
+3
Goal Difference
-3
Expected Goals
2.23
xG
0.55
0.55
xGA
2.23

Data last updated: 2026-08-03T00:01:03+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-1-4-1
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 02, 2026, 02:45 AM
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Providence Park
Capacity
25218
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Joe Dickerson
Jeremy Hanson
Logan Brown
Lorenzo Hernandez

Statistics

Possession
POT
53%
SEA
47%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 1
1 Big Chances Created 3
6 Shots 7
81 Dangerous attacks 48
53 Possession 47
4 Corners 5
12 Free kicks 7
2 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

60 Ball Safe 72
3 Goal Kicks 7
6 Goal Attempts 5
4 Substitutions 5
17 Throwins 12
22 Successful Headers 9
2 Assists 0
1 Injuries 1
15 Dribble Attempts 10
7 Successful Dribbles 5
47 Successful Dribbles Percentage 50

Attacking

100 Attacks 89
0 Big Chances Missed 3

Possession

45 Long Passes 55
490 Passes 431
424 Successful Passes 352
87 Successful Passes Percentage 82
13 Key Passes 8
25 Successful Long Passes 22
56 Successful Long Passes Percentage 40

Defensive

2 Saves 3
9 Tackles 16
9 Interceptions 11
48 Duels Won 32

Build-up

25 Total Crosses 19
7 Accurate Crosses 5

Discipline

0 Offsides 2
7 Fouls 12

Lineup

Referee : Joe Dickerson

Starting XI ▼

41
James Pantemis
James Pantemis Goalkeeper
6.71
4
Kamal Miller
Kamal Miller Defender
7.43
5
Brandon Bye
Brandon Bye Defender
7.73
20
Finn Surman
Finn Surman Defender
6.99
27
Jimer Fory
Jimer Fory Defender
6.98
7
Ariel Lassiter
Ariel Lassiter Midfielder
6.79
11
Antony
Antony
Attacker65'
6.38
10
David Da Costa
David Da Costa Midfielder
7.43
17
Cole Bassett
Cole Bassett Midfielder
7.01
30
José Luis Caicedo Barrera
José Luis Caicedo Barrera
Midfielder88'
21
Diego Chará
Diego Chará (C) Midfielder
7.57
99
Kristoffer Velde
Kristoffer Velde Midfielder
7.79
22
Omir Fernandez
Omir Fernandez
Attacker90+4'
19
Kevin Kelsy
Kevin Kelsy Attacker
7.3
23
Ian Smith
Ian Smith
Defender88'
Referee : Joe Dickerson

Starting XI ▼

26
Andrew Thomas
Andrew Thomas Goalkeeper
6.61
5
Nouhou
Nouhou Defender
7.18
17
Paul Arriola
Paul Arriola Defender
6.53
85
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi
Midfielder7'
7.67
20
Kee-hee Kim
Kee-hee Kim Defender
6.63
16
Álex Roldán
Álex Roldán
Defender73'
6.36
39
Stuart Hawkins
Stuart Hawkins Defender
6.51
9
Jesús Ferreira
Jesús Ferreira Midfielder
6.86
11
Albert Rusnák
Albert Rusnák (C) Midfielder
7
14
Paul Rothrock
Paul Rothrock Midfielder
6.27
37
Snyder Brunell
Snyder Brunell Midfielder
6.73
45
Peter Kingston
Peter Kingston Midfielder
6.35
90
Sebastian Gomez
Sebastian Gomez
Midfielder46'
6.39
95
Osaze De Rosario
Osaze De Rosario Attacker
6.41
19
Danny Musovski
Danny Musovski
Attacker73'
6.39

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Omir Fernandez  → Kristoffer Velde
9th Substitution
90+4'
Event
José Luis Caicedo Barrera → Cole Bassett
7th Substitution
88'
Event
Ian Smith → Kevin Kelsy 
8th Substitution
88'
84'
Event
Antino Lopez → Kalani Kossa-Rienzi
6th Substitution
Event
Brandon Bye
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
82'
73'
Event
Danny Musovski → Osaze De Rosario
4th Substitution
73'
Event
Álex Roldán → Kee-hee Kim
5th Substitution
71'
Event
Sebastian Gomez
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
Event
Antony → Ariel Lassiter
3rd Substitution
65'
46'
Event
Sebastian Gomez → Peter Kingston
2nd Substitution
1ST-HALF
Event
Kevin Kelsy 
Simulation / 3rd Yellowcard
45+5'
Event
Kevin Kelsy 
Left foot shot / 2nd Goal
41'
Event
Kamal Miller
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
30'
27'
Event
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi
Left foot shot / 1st Goal
25'
Event
Peter Kingston
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
7'
Event
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi → Paul Arriola
1st Substitution

Match Commentary

90
Update Update
Omir Fernandez comes on for Kristoffer Velde.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
89
Update Update
Jose Luis Caicedo Barrera comes on for Cole Bassett.
89
Update Update
Ian Smith is on, and Kevin Kelsy is off.
84
Attempt Attempt
Jesus Ferreira attempts a header but misses the shot.
84
Update Update
Antino Lopez replaces Kalani Kossa Rienzi.
82
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Brandon Bye takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
82
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Brandon Bye scores to make it 2-1, assisted by David Pereira Da Costa.
81
Attempt Attempt
Kristoffer Velde takes a shot with his right foot, but it's saved.
79
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Kevin Kelsy Head Shot Missed
79
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
76
Attempt Attempt
Finn Surman attempts a header but misses the shot.
73
Update Update
Alex Roldan comes on for Kim Kee-Hee.
73
Update Update
Danny Musovski comes on for Osaze De Rosario.
71
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown.
66
Attempt Attempt
David Pereira Da Costa takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
65
Update Update
Antony Alves Santos comes on for Ariel Lassiter.
64
Attempt Attempt
Nouhou Tolo takes a left-footed shot but misses.
58
Attempt Attempt
Cole Bassett takes a right-footed shot but misses.
57
Attempt Attempt
Snyder Brunell takes a right-footed shot but misses.
57
Attempt Attempt
Sebastian Gomez takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
57
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
52
Attempt Attempt
Kristoffer Velde takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
51
Attempt Attempt
Nouhou Tolo takes a header shot but misses.
51
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
49
Attempt Attempt
Jesus Ferreira takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
49
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
48
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
46
Attempt Attempt
Ariel Lassiter's left-footed shot is blocked.
46
Attempt Attempt
Kevin Kelsy takes a right-footed shot but misses.
45
Attempt Attempt
Albert Rusnak takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
45
Attempt Attempt
Albert Rusnak takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
45
Attempt Attempt
Albert Rusnak takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
45
Attempt Attempt
Albert Rusnak takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
45
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued to Kevin Kelsy.
41
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot by Kevin Kelsy with his left foot results in a goal.
41
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Kevin Kelsy scores to make it 1-1, assisted by Kristoffer Velde.
38
Attempt Attempt
Albert Rusnak takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
36
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Albert Rusnak with his right foot, but it's saved.
36
Attempt Attempt
Kevin Kelsy takes a right-footed shot but misses.
33
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Stuart Hawkins Head Shot Missed
33
Attempt Attempt
Snyder Brunell takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
33
Attempt Attempt
Stuart Hawkins takes a header but misses the shot.
33
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Stuart Hawkins Head Shot Missed
33
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
32
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
32
Attempt Attempt
Nouhou Tolo attempts a header but misses the shot.
31
Attempt Attempt
Albert Rusnak takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
30
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Kamal Miller receives a yellow card.
27
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Kalani Kossa Rienzi scores with a left-footed shot.
27
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Kalani Kossa Rienzi scores to make it 1-0.
27
Update Update
Offside.
25
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown.
16
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
16
Attempt Attempt
Kevin Kelsy takes a shot with his head, but it is blocked.
13
Update Update
Offside.
10
Attempt Attempt
Kristoffer Velde takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
8
Update Update
Kalani Kossa Rienzi comes on for Paul Arriola.
2
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Joseph Dickerson.

CONCLUSION

Portland Timbers claimed a narrow 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders after an even first half that ended 1-1. Their higher expected goals total supported the final margin and reflected greater chance creation overall. Seattle as the stronger side could not convert their share of possession into a result. The absence of red cards allowed both teams to maintain full complements and contest the game evenly. Portland's performance demonstrated consistency between metrics and the scoreboard. This outcome highlights how underlying numbers can align with results even when pre-match views favor the opponent. The match provided a clear example of efficiency matching the flow of play from start to finish.