Sounders face Timbers in rivalry showdown

Driving the news: The match is on Decision Day, the final event of the regular MLS season, when all teams play simultaneously, finalizing standings and determining who will advance to the postseason.

The big picture: While the Sounders are already qualified for the postseason, the team has had an inconsistent season, and a win over the Timbers could help them secure a top spot in the Western Conference, guaranteeing a game at home in the playoffs.

State of play: The Sounders are coming off a 3-0 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps, a win that helped them gain momentum in the countdown to the playoffs while the Timbers missed an opportunity to gain points in a scoreless draw against Dallas.

• For Portland, beating Seattle would deliver a morale boost to their fanbase after barely clinching a wild card spot in the playoffs.
• If the Sounders win, the team could also qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup, a continental club competition among teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
• In 2022, the Sounders became the first, and so far only, MLS club to win the Concacaf Champions League.

What they're saying: "Explosive jubilation happens when the stadium is full and everyone feels they pushed their energy right into the team and made the victory happen," longtime Sounders fan Christiana Taylor told Axios in an email.

Who we're watching: As a key playmaker in midfield, Albert Rusnák has "taken the reins" and, with his passing range and ability to control the tempo of the game, could be vital in orchestrating the team's offensive play, assistant coach Andy Rose told the Seattle Times.

• The Timbers' Evander has been a standout for Portland this season and could prove a handful for Seattle's defense, according to Sounder at Heart.

What's next: Doors open at 4:30pm for the 6pm game at Lumen Field. Tickets start around $70.