With nine goals against Portland, forward Clint Dempsey is known for being the club's biggest thorn in the Timbers' side, but midfielder Cristian Roldan is making a strong case, as well. In the 19th minute, Roldan's goal gave Seattle an early 1-0 lead against its biggest rival on Sunday evening at CenturyLink Field. It also marked the third consecutive home match against Portland that featured a goal from Roldan, including the lone score in a 1-0 win against the Timbers in May.
In the 19th minute, midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro whipped in a corner kick directly in front of the goal, where a mad scramble resulted in Roldan's sixth goal of the season.
Unfortunately for the Sounders, Portland managed to net the equalizer in first-half stoppage time on a penalty by Diego Valeri. Despite recording 17 shots, including six on target, the Rave Green were unable to register another goal in the 1-1 draw. With the result, the Sounders remain in first place with 42 points, just one point above Portland and two points above Sporting Kansas City.
Brian Schmetzer's side enters the upcoming international break riding a club-record unbeaten streak of 11 matches, with the next contest coming at home against the LA Galaxy on September 10 at CenturyLink Field.
