Portland Timbers claimed Cascadia bragging rights on Saturday night, defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2-1 at Providence Park thanks to Brandon Bye’s decisive 82nd-minute goal.
The visitors made the first breakthrough in a fiercely contested MLS fixture. Kalani Kossa-Rienzi put Seattle ahead in the 27th minute, giving the Sounders a valuable advantage on the road after an opening spell that carried the usual edge of this rivalry.
Portland responded before the interval. Kevin Kelsy brought the Timbers level in the 41st minute, ensuring the sides went into half-time locked at 1-1. The equaliser shifted the momentum back toward the home side, who enjoyed 53.1 percent possession and created 13 shot assists across the match.
Seattle continued to pose a threat, finishing with 16 shots and five corner kicks, but Portland found the crucial late moment. Bye struck in the 82nd minute to complete the turnaround and send Providence Park into celebration.
The Timbers finished with 14 attempts, five on target and four corners, while Seattle registered four shots on target from their 16 efforts. Portland’s greater control of the ball and ability to make their late pressure count proved the difference.
It was a hard-fought derby result for Portland, who improved their MLS record to 7-3-8. Seattle, now 7-3-7, left Portland empty-handed despite Kossa-Rienzi’s early goal and an energetic attacking display.
Goals
- Seattle Sounders FC: Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, 27′
- Portland Timbers: Kevin Kelsy, 41′
- Portland Timbers: Brandon Bye, 82′
