WATCH: Sounders Unravel for Worst Loss to Timbers in MLS Era
The Seattle Sounders, fresh off six weeks away from MLS play for the FIFA World Cup, came into a Thursday night home bout with their archnemesis, the Portland Timbers, looking to start the summer run strong.
Not only did they not accomplish that feat, but the Sounders (7-4-3, 6th in Western Conference) lost 5-1.
It’s already being labeled the worst loss to Portland in franchise history, as striker Kevin Kelsy bagged a brace. Seattle midfielder Hassani Dotson scored off a set-piece header late with the game far out of reach.
The Timbers (5-8-2, 7th) worked the wide areas to death, scoring three goals in seven minutes early in the second half to completely demoralize Seattle. The nearly 36,000 fans in attendance, a franchise best this season, left in droves.
After the game, head coach Brian Schmetzer took accountability as his team, down key pieces like Cristian Roldan and Alex Roldan, was simply out-competed in the biggest derby game of the season. Players cleared out of the locker room quickly postgame, seemingly opting to process the stunning result on their own.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali attempts to make sense of the landslide defeat.
WATCH: Recapping Sounders Solid Start, And Late Troubles, Ahead of the World Cup
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali breaks down a 7-3-3 start to the Seattle Sounders’ 2026 campaign. The team started 6-1-1 before falling into a slump and entering the June FIFA World Cup break at sixth in the Western Conference.
The Sounders will be back in action on July 16 against their rival Portland Timbers, as Cristian Roldan (United States) is the only Seattle player rostered for the World Cup.
How Do Sounders Stack Up in MLS All-Star Voting?
The MLS All-Star Game may not be the most popular among fans for its unusual place in international football culture, but it's an easy way for teams to get publicity for their highest-performing players.
Last season, now Atletico Madrid midfielder Obed Vargas was the only Seattle Sounder to make the squad. With the Sounders off to a much better start at 7-2-3 (4th in Western Conference) this time around, Seattle is generating buzz with one day of fan voting left before the July 29 All-Star Game in Charlotte.
This season, the Sounders are tied for the fewest goals allowed in league play (10), but are tied for the fifth-fewest scored (17). As such, solid offensive seasons for Paul Rothrock (5 G+A), Albert Rusnak (6 G+A) and Jesus Ferreira (5 G+A) simply don't stack up with the rest of a league that is oversaturated with ridiculous scoring lines this season. Instead, look for the pieces that are powering the elite defense performance to get some love in Charlotte.
Keeper Andrew Thomas, USMNT midfield prospect Cristian Roldan, center back Jackson Ragen, right back Alex Roldan and left back Nouhou were all top-five in fan voting at their respective positions as of May 18, according to MLS. The voting process will take fan, media and player votes into account for 11 of the players, while Charlotte coach Dean Smith will select 13 and MLS Commissioner Don Garber will pick the remaining two All-Stars.
Sounders Announce Extensions for 4 Players Ahead of Concacaf Run
The Seattle Sounders made sure to hold on to some key pieces of their 2025 Leagues-Cup-winning team, extending four players on Tuesday with multi-year extensions.
Defenders Alex Roldan and Nouhou and strikers Osaze De Rosario and Danny Musovski each inked extensions, with the first three set to stick around through the 2028-29 campaign with options for 2029-30. Musovski's deal runs through 2027-28 with an option for 2028-29.
Roldan and Nouhou have each become staples in the backline, with Roldan occupying the right back spot of the 4-2-3-1 alignment while Nouhou stays on the left. Nouhou, a top talent for Cameroon in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, is arguably the best duelist on a Sounders side full of great defenders.
Recapping Busiest Sounders Season Ever: The Brand and Trophy Case Grow, MLS Ambitions Fade Late
The Seattle Sounders felt it all in the 2025 season, struggling in the early going before turning things around at the Club World Cup to capture their first-ever Leagues Cup trophy before going out in the MLS Cup Playoffs First Round. Should the season be viewed as a success, a failure, or right down the middle?
Sounders Eliminated in Game 3, Minnesota Forces PK Shootout in All-Timer
The No. 5 Seattle Sounders saw a 2-0 lead slip away in Saturday afternoon's Game 3 of the MLS Cup Playoffs First Round with No. 4 Minnesota United, losing 7-6 in penalties after a 3-3 regulation period.
Sounders Offense Explodes, Hangs Four Goals on Minnesota United to Force Game 3
The Seattle Sounders tied up their best-of-three first round series with Minnesota United with a 4-2 win on Monday night as Obed Vargas had a brace.
WATCH: Sounders on Brink of Elimination After Game 1 Loss in Minnesota
The Seattle Sounders dropped Game 1 of their MLS Cup First Round series with Minnesota United on Monday night in a scoreless match that went to a 3-2 penalty shootout. What went wrong and how can they bounce back to keep their season alive in Game 2?
Sounders Stunned in Penalties, Drop Winnable Game 1 vs. Minnesota
It was by a margin the size of the eye of a needle, but the Sounders dropped the first game of three against Minnesota United. What sunk Seattle’s fortunes once more against the 2025 Loons?
WATCH: Keys to Success for Sounders in Playoff Matchup with Minnesota
The No. 5 Sounders will take on No. 4 Minnesota United in Game 1 of a best-of-three first on Monday night in Minnesota. Getting an opening game win will be crucial for a chance to close things out at home, but how can Seattle break down a team that swept it in the regular season?
Preview: Sounders Draw Defensive-Minded Minnesota in First Round
The Seattle Sounders will take on Minnesota United in a best-of-three first round series starting on October 27. Who has the edge kicking off the MLS Playoffs?
WATCH: How Serious Should Fifth Seed-Locked Sounders Take Decision Day vs. NYCFC?
The Seattle Sounders will be the MLS Western Conference's fifth seed regardless of the outcome of their regular season finale against New York City FC on Saturday, prompting "rest or rust" discussions within the coaching staff.
Sounders Head Into Salt Lake Week With Crucial Pieces Missing
The Seattle Sounders are expected to have nine players missing for various reasons ahead of an important home match on Saturday against Real Salt Lake.
Timbers Topped: Sounders Take Down Portland at Home For First Time Since 2017
The Seattle Sounders leveraged their first MLS shutout in seven matches to beat the Portland Timbers at home for the first time in eight years on Saturday night.
Sounders Aim to Stave Off Playoff-Hungry Timbers in Heated PNW Clash
The Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers will renew their rivalry in the Emerald City on Saturday night as Portland trails Seattle by just two points in the Western Conference late in the MLS season.
Sounders Draw with Vancouver in Wild Cascadia Rivalry Game, Clinch Playoffs
While the Sounders didn’t get a victory over the Whitecaps, a 2-2 draw coupled with other results around the MLS clinched them a playoff spot.
Sounders Foiled at the Death in Austin, Post-Leagues Cup Slide Continues
The Seattle Sounders lost a heartbreaker against Austin FC on Sunday night as CJ Fodrey found Myrto Uzuni to give Austin a 2-1 win in the 96th minute.
Sounders Draw with LA Galaxy in 'Trap Game' as Key Players Return
Albert Rusnák and Jordan Morris both made second half returns for the Sounders after more than a month away with injuries, but the Rave Green made one too many mistakes when defending one key aspect of an injury-ridden Galaxy’s game.
“Pacific Northwest Grit”: Sounders Shut Down Messi, Inter Miami For First Leagues Cup Title
The Seattle Sounders took down Inter Miami's star-studded crew in a 3-0 Leagues Cup Final win on Sunday night. The win marked Seattle's first title in the new tournament.
Analysis: Examining Seattle Sounders FC Formation Conundrum
In their best performance of the 2025 season, the Sounders went back to their bread and butter running the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Using two main tactical setups this year, which one should Brian Schmetzer lean on moving forward?
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