Chances were few are far in the first half between as the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders renewed their rivalry on Saturday. The Sounders managed to fire off eight shots, but none of them were on goal, while the Timbers put just one of their seven shots on frame.
Portland Timbers Vs. Seattle Sounders, 2012 MLS: Halftime Score, 0-0
Both teams seemed to be generating most of their pressure from the wings. Sal Zizzo was easily the Timbers' most dangerous player and was giving Sounders left back Leo Gonzalez fits whenever he was given room to run.
The Sounders' best chances were mostly going through left midfielder Steve Zakuani, who has so far proven a handful for Kosuke Kimura. Zakuani was able to get behind the defense early in the first half, but after his cross bounced around a bit Brad Evans could not finish from an extremely tight angle. Toward the end of the half, he again found some space behind the Timbers defense. He again sent in a cross that bounced around in the box, but Fredy Montero's header went over the crossbar.
Perhaps the most notable development of the half came when Eddie Johnson was shown a yellow card. He'll now be forced to miss next week's game against the San Jose Earthquakes, which is shaping up as the Sounders' last good chance to close some ground on the Supporters' Shield leaders.
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