Despite the Sounders having most of the ball in the opening minutes, the Timbers got the action started early when Blanco had a shot from distance in the 2nd minute which took a deflection but still bounced on the top of the crossbar. Not to be outdone, Brian Fernandez also fancied himself an early shot and in the 6th minute cut inside from the right wing, fired with his left, and opened the scoring, making it 1-0 for the Timbers.
The Sounders had their first chance of the match in the 13th minute after working the ball well down the left flank.