Preview: Sunday's Cascadia Derby

The crafty Eddie Johnson looks to score another goal with his easily recognizable bright orange cleats

The most exciting rivalry in the MLS is about to resume once again Sunday afternoon. The Seattle Sounders travel to Oregon to face the Portland Timbers at 5:00PM (Eastern Time) on ESPN. A rivalry that goes back for years in the USA before MLS even existed. The bordering teams have a strong feeling towards each other, but also plenty of respect. The game will be watched by millions and Portland provides one of the greatest environments in the MLS at Jeld-wen Field.

Portland enters the game as 8th out of the nine teams in the western conference. However, no one should assume Portland is an easy opponent. 11 of the Timbers’ 13 points have come at Jeld-wen Field, a small cramped stadium seating only 20,000, but creating one of the loudest atmospheres in the MLS. Kris Boyd continues to dominate with four goals on the young season, and a chip on his shoulder. Boyd will be the key to Portland’s success. He leads the team in goals, shots, shots on target, and yellow card. Kris Boyd is definitely the heart and soul of this team. Nagbe can provide a little stability and maybe score a goal, but not without Boyd’s help. Portland like to play a very conservative game until Boyd touches the ball, then they sprint down the field to try to generate a goal. However, that may be difficult against a stifling Seattle Sounders defense.

Seattle is currently 4th in the western conference with 25 points. The Sounders have always done very well against the Timbers, but are struggling lately. Seattle has been winless for six straight games, but were able to salvage a draw with a good Sporting Kansas City squad earlier in the week on Wednesday. Seattle has Portland on their minds, but the U.S. Open Cup is surely on their thoughts a little bit. Seattle plays Portland on Sunday and then play San Jose on Tuesday after only about 48 hours. Seattle must maintain their focus on a talented Portland team and not on San Jose. Fredy Montero continues to score goals and Osvaldo Alonso continues to be a brick wall in the defense. Alonso recently gained American citizenship and is already being considered for the USMNT. Steve Zakuani is finally on the bench after breaking his leg 14 months ago. Zakuani may sit the bench, but I doubt he will be a substitution in a very violent environment.

I expect a very intense game with harsh tackles and at least four yellow cards. The environment will be ecstatic, and everyone will be watching. I expect Fredy Montero to score another incredible goal, similar to the one he scored last year in Portland. Boyd may have some opportunities to score, but I think Nagbe will be the one to score. I could see 1-1 as a predictable finish, but I believe Seattle is going to find a way to steal this game from Portland for all three points. Look for Rosales and Johnson to create constant attacks. I see Seattle scoring a late goal in the final 15 minutes of play to win the Cascadia Derby. This will be the best game the MLS has provided this season, thanks to world-class strikers and an incredible environment.

Seattle Sounders 2-1 Portland Timbers