Our prediction for this MLS match:
Portland Timbers
Match Time & Date:
01/09/2024
04:30
Prediction: 0-1
Seattle Sounders
Portland Timbers play host to Seattle Sounders at their Providence Park in what is expected to be a close MLS encounter. Portland played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with St Louis City at the weekend and they are likely to adopt yet another attack-oriented approach against Seattle Sounders. The bad news for the hosts is that Chile forward Felipe Mora, who scored a brace against St Louis City, misses out through suspension. Jonathan Rodriguez is banned for the match as well.
The Sounders, on the other hand, defeated Portland Timbers 2-1 in their last meeting at Providence Park and given the home team’s shaky defence, away win should be considered once again. Seattle midfielder Braudilio Rodrigues remains on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, while fellow midfielder Cody Baker is a major doubt and he will be assessed ahead of the kick-off.
Highlighted Player (Albert Rusnak):
Born in Vyskov, Czech Republic on July 7, 1994, Slovakia international Albert Rusnak began his youth career in KAC Kosice. In 1997 he moved to MFK Kosice where he was talent-spotted by Manchester City scouts. However, he did not see any game action for the Citizens in the Premier League as he was immediately loaned to Oldham City.
After making only two appearances for the Latics, the Slovak moved to Birmingham City in 2014. After ending his loan spell with Cambuur, Albert Rusnak moved to FC Groningen in 2015 and it has to be noted that he scored nine goals in 61 appearances for the Dutch club in the Eredivisie.
In the winter of 2017 Rusnak joined MLS club Real Salt Lake for an undisclosed fee. Speaking of his international career, Albert Rusnak made his debut with the Slovakia national team on November 15, 2016 in a goalless draw with Austria. His father, also called Albert Rusnak, used to play football as well.
Highlighted Team (Portland Timbers):
Founded in 2009, Portland Timbers is a soccer club based in Portland, Oregon. The Timbers are well known for their green kit and their secondary colours are red and black. Portland welcome their opponents at Providence Park and the capacity of their home ground is 21.144.
The club hold a long-running rivalry with Seattle Sounders as the two clubs used to face each other in the North American Soccer League. In 2015 Portland Timbers did remarkably well to win the MLS Cup and that is considered the club’s biggest success.
The Timbers defeated Columbus Crew in the final of the tournament and it has to be noted that the title game was hosted by Mapfre Stadium (Columbus).
Former Premier League footballer Liam Ridgewell played for Portland in the 2015 MLS Cup final against Columbus Crew. Speaking of the club’s supporters, you should have in mind that the Timbers sold out almost every home game in the MLS. Portland’s main supporters group is the Timbers Army.
