Don’t expect Sunday’s edition of the Timbers-Sounders rivalry to be a thing of beauty.
Given the stakes, the hot weather, that both clubs are coming off of losses and have key players missing, Timbers coach Caleb Porter expects another chippy, hotly-contested match when the rivals kick off in the heat of the day at 4 p.m. at Providence Park.
“We need to keep our heads, but we also need to be ready for what we feel will be a physical, chippy game,” Porter said. “There’s a lot at stake for both teams. We need to make sure we keep our composure like we did in the Open Cup.”
Ah, yes, the Open Cup. The Timbers won 3-1 in overtime on June 16 in a match that ended with an 11 on seven advantage for Portland because of three red cards and an injury. Seattle, always motivated to play Portland, should be extra amped up given that disappointment.
But Porter noted that the Timbers also have plenty to prove after a 5-0 loss Wednesday in Los Angeles ended Portland’s MLS-record four-match winning streak.
“I think both teams are going to have a chip on their shoulder — because it’s a rivalry, because of the Open Cup game,” Porter said.
The Timbers coach said that Sunday’s game might resemble that Open Cup battle by featuring direct attacks from both teams, rather than a lot of possession and build-up play.
Playing a rival with a chance to jump to near the top of the standings should make it easy for the Timbers to put Wednesday’s loss to the Galaxy behind them. Porter said he won’t discuss the Los Angeles game with his team at all.
“We’ve been a team that has responded very well following losses, so I’m confident that this will be no different,” Porter said.
Because the status of several injured Seattle players is up in the air, Porter said he probably won’t know what the Sounders team will look like until the lineups are announced. But he said the teams know each other so well that the unknowns should not create much trouble.
One thing he does know is that Seattle with be without its two best attackers in Clint Dempsey (suspension) and Obafemi Martins (injury). That could provide some relief for a Portland back line that will be without suspended Liam Ridgewell.
Porter said the Sounders might become more “workmanlike” in their approach.
“They maybe won’t be quite as technical, skillful without Dempsey and Martins, but the players that play will definitely bring the right mentality and they’ll be up for a battle.” Porter said.
And the Timbers expect the Sounders’ best shot, defender Nat Borchers said.
“They’re still a team that’s difficult to play against no matter who they have up top,” Borchers said. “They can put a few guys up there that are very dynamic and that are obviously learning from two of the best in the league.”
Borchers added that his Seattle counterpart, 2014 MLS defender of the year Chad Marshall, can be a handful to defend on free kicks and corner kicks.
One thing Borchers is not sweating is playing alongside Norberto Paparatto instead of Ridgewell.
“I don’t think (my role) changes at all,” Borchers said. “I’m going to be talking like I usually do, organizing and trying to be in good positions to cover. Papa’s a leader as well, and he’s a big presence. We feel very comfortable with each other.”
