The Portland Timbers might have managed to beat the worst of the heat when they take to the pitch this evening in what is sure to be a strength-sapping match against the Seattle Sounders, but the pressure is still on as the team looks to bounce back from a series of three road losses in just over a week.
As always, the Timbers’ defensive corps is in disarray, losing otherwise reliable left center back Roy Miller to yellow card accumulation with Liam Ridgewell and Gbenga Arokoyo still out injured. That leaves utility men Amobi Okugo and Lawrence Olum as the side’s likely center back pairing, barring a sudden spike in the stock of Jamaican youngster Rennico Clarke.