2013 Cascadia Cup Clincher vs Portland Timbers
A hard-fought 1-0 victory, but the Cascadia Cup went to Portland that season.
The 2013 clash between Seattle Sounders FC and Portland Timbers at CenturyLink Field is remembered as a pivotal moment in the Cascadia rivalry, though it did not secure the Cascadia Cup for Seattle—that honor went to Portland that season. With Eddie Johnson scoring the lone goal, the Sounders claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory that showcased their resilience and passion, even as the Timbers ultimately took the regional trophy. This match remains a testament to the intensity of Pacific Northwest football, highlighting Seattle's strength at home and the enduring drama of one of MLS's fiercest rivalries.
- Venue
- CenturyLink Field (now Lumen Field), Seattle
- Key Player
- Eddie Johnson
Lore & Background
The Cascadia Cup represents the pinnacle of regional rivalry in Major League Soccer, contested annually between Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. It measures head-to-head points earned during the regular season, making every match against a neighbor critical for bragging rights. In 2013, the stakes were higher than ever as all three clubs looked to establish dominance in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle Sounders FC entered this era looking to build on their foundation established since joining MLS in 2009. The victory over Portland that September was a memorable 1-0 result, but it was not the Cascadia Cup clincher—the Timbers ultimately won the cup that year. This match remains etched in fan memory for its intensity and the sheer quality of play displayed by both sides. It highlighted the growing passion of the Cascadia region, proving that local derbies could rival any international fixture in atmosphere. The win gave Seattle bragging rights on the night, even as Portland claimed the season-long trophy.
In Their Own Story
The rain had just stopped when the lights flickered on above Qwest Field. In the stands, thousands of fans wrapped in green scarves waited for the whistle. Fredy Montero tightened his laces, feeling the weight of the season resting on his shoulders. He looked toward the goal, knowing this was more than a game; it was about territory.
Reader's Guide
The air at Qwest Field hummed with electric anticipation as the Sounders looked to seal regional dominance against their fiercest rivals. Portland arrived aiming to spoil Seattle's historic Supporters' Shield campaign, but the home crowd roared louder than ever. Early tension gave way to a masterclass in attacking football under the floodlights. Fredy Montero became the focal point, weaving through the defense with lethal precision that silenced the visiting fans. His hat-trick dismantled Timbers hopes, turning a competitive fixture into a statement of supremacy for the Emerald City. Every goal was met by thunderous chants that shook the stadium structure, uniting thousands in green and gold. The defense held firm against late pressure, ensuring the crucial points stayed in Seattle despite Portland's desperate attempts to mount a comeback. As the final whistle blew, players embraced amidst confetti and cheers, knowing this victory wasn't just about three points on the table. It secured the Cascadia Cup for the Sounders, capping off a dominant regular season. Fans poured onto the pitch, celebrating a year defined by resilience, tactical brilliance, and regional pride. The night belonged to Sounders FC, cementing another chapter in one of MLS's greatest rivalries.
Did You Know?
- The Cascadia Cup is awarded based on points accumulated against Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver during the regular season.
- Seattle Sounders FC won their first Supporters' Shield in 2014, not 2013.
- The only goal in this decisive 1-0 victory over the Timbers came from Eddie Johnson, not Obafemi Martins.
- This game was played at CenturyLink Field, which later became known as Lumen Field.