Cascadia

Jordan Morris set for debut in Seattle Sounders-Portland Timbers clash

TUKWILA, Wash.—Jordan Morris was a teenager the last time he suited up for a game in Portland, scoring a goal as a member of the Seattle Sounders reserve team.


Now in the midst of his first season as a professional with the first-team Sounders, the stakes are markedly higher for the 21-year-old forward as Seattle heads to Portland for a massive Sunday afternoon Cascadia Cup derby matchup with the Timbers at Providence Park (12 p.m. PT, FOX/KIRO 97.3 FM/El Rey 1360AM).


“When I was younger and playing for the academy, we went down and played a reserve game down there and we got to watch the first team play in Portland,” Morris said after Seattle’s practice on Tuesday. “It’s an awesome atmosphere, and obviously they have some crazy fans. It’s a big rivalry game, so I’m excited to play in that for the first time.”



Seattle figure to lean on their Homegrown rookie even more than they normally would to help spark their attack on Sunday.


The Sounders will be without their other star forward, Clint Dempsey, who will be suspended for the contest after picking up a red card in Seattle’s 5-0 blowout victory over FC Dallas on Wednesday.


Speaking with reporters on Friday, Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said that he thinks Morris’s experience with the reserve team – and his longtime affiliation with the club in general – could put him ahead of the curve as far as handling what will assuredly be a raucous and unforgiving environment at Providence Sunday.


“Jordan, it’s his first time on the field [for the first-team] in the rivalry,” Schmid said. “But he’s certainly experienced it and been around and seen it. He’s played with the reserve team in Portland, so he’s been there.


“I think the players know what it’s all about. You feel the atmosphere right away when you step into the stadium. You’ve got to just step up and deliver.”



Morris’s even-keeled nature has proven to be one of his strongest attributes as he’s navigated his way through a rookie season that has already seen him score seven goals. Even with the increased fanfare and hype that comes with the rivalry matchup, Morris says he’s trying to approach game the same way he does any other.


“I’ve watched a lot of the games and I obviously know the rivalry and know how important it is to the fans and the team,” he said. “At the end of the day, though, we just think of it as another three points on the table for us. We don’t think of it any differently. We just have to go out and get the win.”

2026 Season Membership Deposits

2026 Season Membership Deposits

Feel the pull of the Sound and step into something bigger. 2026 will continue to put Seattle soccer on the world stage, so there's no better time to join the Rave Green and grow with the Sounders legacy. Secure your seat alongside the best fans in MLS.

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Come out to Lumen Field to watch your Seattle Sounders take on Portland with this special ticket offer sponsored by Michelob Ultra. For just $40 + Taxes & Fees, get two tickets & two beers for the match. For 21+ fans only and drinks must be picked up in the North Plaza 21+ beer garden prior to kickoff.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Add a limited-edition Cascadia Rivalry t-shirt to your ticket to the Portland Timbers match. Matchday pick up info will be communicated prior to the match via email.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.