This Sunday might be the defining point of the season for both the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders. Just one point separates the two clubs and the 6th spot in the Western Conference is very much up for grabs. The match is scheduled for a 2:00PM Pacific kick-off at Providence Park in Portland, Or  (TV: ESPN, Root Sports, and MLS LIVE).

Portland wants revenge

Last week in Seattle was a letdown for the travelling Timber Army supporters. While they showed up in full force, they were let down on the field with the Sounders soundly defeating the Timbers 3-1. It's not just that Portland lost, it's that they rarely looked truly dangerous. Sure, Jack MacInerney nearly scored a few goals. However, he missed an absolute sitter when one-on-one with Seattle keeper Stefan Frei that really took the wind out of the team's sails. 

Beyond just revenge, the defending MLS Cup champs need a win to put some space between them and those fighting for a playoff spot. Right now, the San Jose Earthquakes are tied with Portland on points, but below them in the standings due to the tie-breaker of wins. Seattle is one point behind Portland and the Vancouver Whitecaps are close as well, behind by just two points. A win this weekend is vital for the Timbers, especially if San Jose jumps them when they take on the Columbus Crew. Losing last week really hurt, but a win this weekend against the same opponent should make things feel a bit better.

Deuce is out

Timbers fans have to be happy that the USMNT player is out of the picture this week, especially after he scored twice on them last week. However, it's a bittersweet edge. Clint Dempsey is undergoing medical testing for an irregular heartbeat. You never want to see a player out due to medical reasons, even if it might give your club an advantage. Plus, according to Nicholas Rosano of MLSsoccer.com, "A U.S. Soccer spokesman confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Dempsey will not be called up for World Cup qualifiers against St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago on Sept. 2, 6." That hurts everyone who calls themselves a fan of US soccer. 

Timbers owner Merritt Paulson put it well on Twitter saying, "@clint_dempsey best wishes, Clint. Will miss you on the field (honestly) this Sunday but getting health sorted trumps the game." This is how every member of the Timbers Army should feel. At the end of the day, we've all had our personal problems with health. Hopefully Clint can overcome this and return to the pitch soon.

Game prediction

Everything is going to come down to Seattle's latest signing, Nicolás Lodeiro. The Uruguayan attacking midfielder has been simply amazing since he landed in the States. In just five games played, he has scored twice and added four assists. Lodeiro has almost singlehandedly turned the Sounders' season around. Portland has to lock him down. If Diego Chara and the defensive line can keep Lodeiro from assisting or scoring then Portland takes it. Otherwise, Seattle is leaving with at least one point.

Portland Timbers: 2, Seattle Sounders: 0