Timbers Dominate Rivalry Restart
The Portland Timbers hammered the Seattle Sounders 5-1 on Thursday night, July 16, 2026, at Lumen Field in the Cascadia Cup clash that marked MLS's return from the World Cup break.
Kevin Kelsy led the charge with two goals. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute, redirecting a ball over the top from Jimer Fory past Sounders goalkeeper Andrew Thomas. Kamal Miller made it 2-0 in the 56th minute, finishing a free-kick sequence after Brandon Bye's header. Cole Bassett added a third four minutes later on a counter, with David da Costa involved, before Kelsy tapped home a rebound in the 63rd minute for 4-0.
Hassani Dotson pulled one back for Seattle in the 87th minute with a header from an Albert Rusnák corner, his first goal for the club. Alexander Aravena sealed the 5-1 final in the eighth minute of stoppage time, finishing a cutback from da Costa.
Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis made six saves. The Timbers, under interim coach Jack Cassidy, handed Seattle its heaviest home defeat in the MLS era. The Sounders had entered the night with one of the league's stingiest defenses but were short-handed and outplayed after a disallowed early chance.
Seattle sits sixth in the Western Conference. Portland improved its record and claimed a statement win in the rivalry. Both sides return to action next Wednesday.