On Saturday, Seattle Sounders triumphed over Portland Timbers with a score of 1-0 in a fiercely contested match during week 31 of Major League Soccer. The decisive goal came from Pedro De La Vega in the 14th minute of the first half.
Alexander Roldan delivered a pinpoint cross, which De La Vega controlled expertly before firing a strike past goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
Pedro De La Vega was rightfully named the man of the match, having registered one goal and making two attempts on goal throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Seattle’s goalkeeper Stefan Frei was instrumental in the victory, making four crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.
Portland’s David da Costa provided a moment of flair in the 40th minute, skillfully nutmegging his marker.
Seattle’s head coach, Brian Schmetzer, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, with Stefan Frei in goal; Alexander Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Kim Keehee, and Nouhou Tolo forming the defense; Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnák, Paul Rothrock, Jesús Ferreira, and Pedro De La Vega in midfield; and Jordan Morris leading the attack.
On the other side, coach Phil Neville deployed a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Maxime Crépeau guarded the net; Juan Mosquera, Finn Surman, Kamal Miller, and Ian Smith in defense; Cristhian Paredes, David da Costa, and David Ayala controlling the midfield; and Antony Alves, Kevin Kelsy, and Kristoffer Velde in the forward positions.
The match was overseen by referee Rubiel Vázquez at Lumen Field.
Looking ahead, Seattle’s next league match will be at home against Real Salt Lake, while Portland will host San Diego FC.
Substitutions for Seattle Sounders
45’ 2H – Kim Keehee was replaced by Jonathan Bell
63’ 2H – Pedro De La Vega exited for Georgi Minoungou and Jordan Morris was substituted for Danny Musovski
69’ 2H – Jesús Ferreira left the field for Danny Leyva
86’ 2H – Paul Rothrock made way for João Paulo Mior
Red Card for Seattle Sounders:
50’ 2H – Albert Rusnák received a direct red card
Substitutions for Portland Timbers
78’ 2H – Kevin Kelsy was replaced by Gage Guerra, Ian Smith was substituted for Ariel Lassiter
79’ 2H – David Ayala left for Diego Chará
83’ 2H – David da Costa was substituted by Omir Fernández, and Cristhian Paredes was replaced by Felipe Mora
Yellow Card for Portland Timbers:
32’ 2H – Ian Smith received a yellow card for unsporting behavior