Sounders vs. Timbers LIVE: Kickoff, Lineups & Updates You Can’t Miss
Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers: A Beginner’s Guide to the Big Match
The Rivalry at a Glance
Imagine two neighbor kids who have been racing each other since 1975. That’s basically the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers!
- The rivalry started in 1975, when Portland followed Seattle into professional soccer (think: grown-up, paid soccer).
- This game will be the 125th meeting between the two teams across different leagues and competitions.
- The Sounders are ahead in the all-time scoreboard:
- 58 wins
- 47 losses
- 19 draws (a draw means a tie)
Important Point: The Sounders have historically won more of these matchups than the Timbers.
A Long Break Before the Game
This match happens after the longest planned midseason break in MLS history.
- MLS stands for Major League Soccer, the top soccer league in the U.S. and Canada.
- Neither team played for about seven weeks because of this break.
How the Teams Are Doing This Year
Portland Timbers
- They have mostly had a tough year.
- Before the break, they even fired their main coach (head coach Phil Neville) in their second-to-last game.
- Since then, their backup team’s coach, Jack Cassidy, has been the temporary (interim) coach.
Seattle Sounders
- They started the year amazingly well — one of their best starts ever!
- But lately, they’ve cooled off: only 1 win in their last 5 games.
- That includes two losses in a row right before the break.
Special Things Happening at the Match
Here are some fun ceremonies and milestones to know about:
- Jimmy Gabriel, Sigi Schmid, and Kasey Keller will be officially added to the "Eternal Sounders Circle of Legends" during a pregame ceremony (like a hall of fame for Sounders greats).
- Cristian Roldan will be honored at halftime (the break in the middle of the game) for making the USA’s World Cup team.
- Coach Brian Schmetzer is only 2 wins away from becoming just the 9th coach in MLS history to reach 150 career wins.
Important Point: Cristian Roldan is honored for the World Cup, but he is also listed as injured for this match (see below).
Absences: Injury, International Duty, and Suspension
Sometimes players can’t play because they are hurt, away for national team duties, or suspended (not allowed to play for a rule break).
Sounders
- OUT (can’t play):
- Yeimar Gómez Andrade — Hamstring (back of thigh muscle)
- Pedro de la Vega — Knee
- Kim Kee-hee — Hamstring
- Nikola Petković — Knee
- Alex Roldan — Hip
- Cristian Roldan — Quad (front thigh muscle)
- QUESTIONABLE (might play):
- Ryan Sailor — Hamstring
Timbers
- OUT (can’t play):
- Omir Fernandez — Lower Body
- Gage Guerra — Core (midsection)
- Juan Mosquera — Foot/Ankle
- Kristoffer Velde — Not Due to Injury (away for other reasons, not hurt)
Recent Form (Last 5 Games)
- Sounders: LLWDD
(L = Loss, W = Win, D = Draw) - Timbers: LLWDL
Kit Matchup
The teams will wear their usual uniforms (kits). A picture of the kit matchup was shared in the original source to show what they’ll be wearing.
Officials
These are the referees and helpers making sure the game is fair:
- REF (main referee): Rosendo Mendoza
- AR1 (assistant referee 1): Nick Uranga
- AR2 (assistant referee 2): Kevin Lock
- 4TH (fourth official): Malik Badawi
- VAR (video review referee): Kevin Stott
- AVAR (assistant video referee): Mike Kampmeinert
How to Watch
Want to tune in? Here’s the simple plan:
- Match date/kickoff time: Thursday, July 16, 7:30 PM PT (Pacific Time)
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle (the Sounders’ home stadium)
- Global Streaming (English): MLS Season Pass — commentators Callum Williams & Calen Carr
- Global Streaming (Spanish): MLS Season Pass — commentators Carlos Mauricio Ramirez & Marcelo Balboa
- Local Radio: 93.3 KJR-FM Seattle (via iHeartMedia) — Danny Jackson & Brad Evans
- Local Spanish Radio: El Rey 1360 AM — Rodriguez, Maqueda, Tapia
- Free stream? No, you need MLS Season Pass.
- Sounders radio as alternate feed? Yes, you can listen to that instead of TV talk.
Lineups
The starting player lists (lineups) were shown in an image in the original source. Highlights will be posted as the match goes on. You can watch and chat about it with other fans!
Important Point: This article is about a Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers match — enjoy the rivalry and watch with us!
Summary
The Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers have battled since 1975 and meet for the 125th time after a record seven-week break. Seattle leads the rivalry 58–47–19. Both teams have struggles: Timbers fired their coach; Sounders slowed down lately. Several Sounders are injured, including honored player Cristian Roldan. Special ceremonies celebrate legends and milestones. The game is on July 16 at Lumen Field, streamed on MLS Season Pass, with radio options too.
FAQ
Q1: What is the MLS?
A: MLS stands for Major League Soccer, the biggest professional soccer league in the U.S. and Canada.
Q2: Why is this match special historically?
A: It’s the 125th meeting of two teams who’ve competed since 1975, and it follows the longest midseason break ever in the league.
Q3: Can I watch the game for free?
A: No, it is only on MLS Season Pass (a paid streaming service), but local radio is available for free.
Q4: Why are so many Sounders players out?
A: They have injuries like hamstring, knee, and hip problems, plus one player away for the World Cup duties.
Q5: What does “interim coach” mean for the Timbers?
A: It means a temporary replacement (Jack Cassidy) is in charge until they pick a new full-time coach.
