Seattle Sounders Tie 1st Preseason Game with Rivals Portland Timbers

The Seattle Sounders tied their first preseason game of 2017 1-1 with rivals Portland Timbers less than two months after winning MLS Cup for the first time.

The Seattle Sounders began 2017 by playing their first preseason game against Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers. This was the Timbers 3rd preseason game, their first ended in a 2-0 lost to the New York Red Bulls and their second in a 3-2 loss to NK Istra 1961, a Croatian first-division team. The Sounders started the game with a familiar XI and switched 10 players out a halftime. Goalkeeper Tyler Miller was the only Sounder who played the full 90 minutes.

First Half

The eleven that started Saturday looked like what Sounders fans might see on opening day. With saying that, Joevin Jones (left back) was probably the only defender who will start on March 4th. The Sounders right back position, which was filled by Dominic Oduro, is up for grabs with Tyrone Mears leaving for Atlanta. Gale Agbossoumonde and Tony Alfaro stared as the 2 center backs. US international Chad Marshall and Panama international Roman Torres will most likely fill those rolls.

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Tyler Miller started in goal and stayed in for the full ninety minutes as Stefan Frei has an ankle injury. Cristian Roldan started as center mid with Gustav Svensson, who will probably be replaced in the starting XI by Osvaldo Alonso. Nico Lodeiro began at right mid with Alvaro Fernandez at left mid. Clint Dempsey played a promising 30 minutes at attacking mid. He created space with his footwork and had several key passes. He was subbed out for Harry Shipp.

Will Bruin started at forward for the first 45. 3 key names that were missing were Jordan Morris, Chad Marshall and Brad Evans who were all released from the USMNT Friday following a Morris goal that led to a 1-0 goal over Jamaica on Friday.

Feb 4, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri (8) controls the ball under pressure from Seattle Sounders midfielder Gustav Svensson (4) during the first half at Kino Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Half

The Sounders switched out one group for another at half time. Tyler Miller stayed in goal and made a few good saves in the second half. 19-year-olds Lorenzo Ramos (right back) and Nouhou Tolo (left back) both stared the second 45 as defenders. MLS Draft picks Jake Stovall and Brian Nana-Sinkam played as center backs for the final 45.

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Harry Shipp moved back to center mid after playing the final 15 minutes of the first half as an attacking mid. Henry Wingo joined him as the second center mid. Shandon Hopeau replaced Lodeiro and homegrown player Seyi Adekoya replaced Fernandez. S2 player Zach Mathers played well and eventually played in the ball that led to the Sounders receiving a PK. Irvin Parra replaced Will Bruin as forward.

Harry Shipp had the best performance out of the new players. He did have to leave the field in the 77th minute with an ankle injury, though. Shipp also scored the Sounders only goal in the 70th minute after Irvin Parra drew a penalty.

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Overall, the Sounders played well considering that it was their first preseason game. They played without many of their usual players and with several academy and S2 players. The Sounders play again on Tuesday with a friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes. The game will be played at 9:30am PST and fans can stream it on SoundersFC.com.

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