Portland takes on arch rivals Seattle Sounders on Saturday (12:00pm PT, NBCSN), and as usual, there is much at stake along with the first potential win in the Cascadia Cup series of 2014.
Let's take a look at some of the stats handy to know before tuning in on Saturday.
55% The Timbers held the advantage in possession just once in five matches vs. Seattle in 2013. And yet, between the three regular season matches and two playoff battles, the Timbers were 3-1-1 against Seattle in 2013.
11 Over the course of the Portland Timbers' and Seattle Sounders' near 40-year shared history across the North American Soccer League, Western Soccer League, United Soccer League and Major League Soccer, the two teams have combined for only eleven draws. Clearly, both teams play to win all three points.
2 Portland is second in MLS in total shots (58) total chances created (41) and chances created from the run of play (35). Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri also leads MLS in shots (15).
29' Time it took for midfielder Will Johnson to score the first goal against the Sounders the last time these two teams met. On Nov. 7, Johnson put home a penalty kick into the bottom right side of the net to give the Timbers a 1-0 advantage. Portland would go on to win 3-2 and knock Seattle out of the playoffs 5-3 on aggregate and advance to the Western Conference Finals against Real Salt Lake.
17 The Portland Timbers are unbeaten in 17 straight games at Providence Park. Since April 6, 2013 they have amassed a record of 11-0-6. Against Seattle, the Timbers have won the last three matches at home in the Rose City.
