Brian Schmetzer conceded that the Seattle Sounders had "taken a couple of punches" lately, but he was confident that his knowledge of the club would help turn things around.

Seattle have lost their last five consecutive MLS games and have slipped down to eighth in the Western Conference following a 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union last time out.

It's been a difficult period of late for Schmetzer, who has been in charge of the Sounders since 2016 and has overseen 395 matches across all competitions.

The 63-year-old boasts a 46.6% win percentage in that time (W186 D83 L126) though Seattle's latest run of form has seen supporters vent their frustrations.

Schmetzer acknowledged the pressure was on ahead of this weekend's meeting with the Portland Timbers, but he insisted he was used to overcoming adversity.

"We're still standing," Schmetzer said. "We've taken a couple of punches. But look, I understand that the fans are not happy, but we have always had a really good fanbase.

"The team right now and the whole renewal situation, I get it. But the fans are always going to come and support their team. I am a Seattle guy through and through.

"I truly believe that even if I'm not doing a good enough job to get butts on the seats, fans are still going to show up. We have a massive game coming up at the weekend.

"We are going to get through that. We are going to get through the Leagues Cup and try and get back to the run of form that we had at the beginning of the year. I know this club."

Portland, meanwhile, have returned back from the World Cup break with a bang, going unbeaten in their last three league matches since MLS play resumed earlier this month.

A draw with FC Dallas came in between victories over Seattle and Real Salt Lake, with the latter triumph seeing Felipe Mora's quickfire brace do the damage.

The Timbers' upturn in form has coincided with the interim appointment of Jack Cassidy, who replaced Phil Neville back in May following a poor run of results.

And Portland have looked to build on their recent run by adding experience to their attack, with former Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen joining the club from Royal Antwerp.

"We are pleased to be able to add a player with the level of qualities that Vincent possesses," Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said of the Dutchman's arrival.  

"His experience and goal-scoring ability will add value to our current group, and we believe he will have an impactful role within the team.

"We look forward to welcoming Vincent and his family to the Rose City and are hopeful to have him ready and available soon."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Kristoffer Velde

Velde provided the assist on Portland's game-winning goal last weekend against RSL and set up the game-tying goal on July 22 against Dallas.

Five of his nine goal contributions this season have been on game-winning or game-tying goals, and you feel he will once again be key for the Timbers here.

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Rusnak has scored five career regular-season goals against the Timbers, including the last time these two teams met in Portland in May 2025.

Three of those five career goals have come at Providence Park, and he will be hoping to deliver at the same venue once again this weekend.

MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

Portland recorded their largest win and scored their most goals in a single game against Seattle (since joining MLS in 2011) in a 5-1 victory last month. The Timbers are looking to sweep the regular-season series against their rivals for the second time as MLS clubs (2022).

The Timbers finished with 22 total shots against RSL in their 2-1 win, their most in a match this season. It was their second time recording 20 or more shots in three matches under interim manager Cassidy after not doing so in any match in 2026 prior to him taking over.

Seattle, meanwhile, have lost five straight regular-season matches, equalling the longest regular-season losing streak in the club's MLS history (also between July and August 2015). The Sounders have also allowed 12 goals during the streak after conceding just eight goals in their first 11 MLS matches in 2026.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 44.9%

Draw – 23.4%

Seattle Sounders – 31.7%