After a nearly three-week hiatus, the Major League Soccer campaign resumes on Saturday when the Los Angeles Galaxy host the Portland Timbers at Dignity Health Sports Park with kickoff at midnight.
The Galaxy is off to a hot start this season, scoring seven goals in their last two matches in all competitions. They have been playing well recently, beating Los Angeles FC at the U.S. Open Cup and Austin FC 2-0 in Major League Soccer play.
Before their impressive attacking displays against Austin and Columbus Crew SC, they seemed to lack precision in the final third, scoring a goal or fewer in seven consecutive league fixtures.
Last season they heavily relied on Chicharito to score; this year, they have been much more balanced all over the field while getting contributions from numerous players.
Thumping Sporting Kansas City 7-2 has done little to boost the confidence of Portland, who are only two points ahead of KC for last place in the Western Conference after making it to the MLS Cup Final in 2021.
Portland is averaging just a point per game, currently 20th in MLS regarding expected goal differential. Manager Giovanni Savarese has been critical of the amount of space his players have allowed in dangerous areas of the field, conceding multiple goals in four straight matches in all competitions.
LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers Head to Head
Both sides have 32 games against each other, with hosts taking 14 wins while visitors with 12 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- LA Galaxy 4-1 Austin
- LA Galaxy 3-1 Los Angeles
- Houston 0-3 LA Galaxy
- Minnesota 1-1 LA Galaxy
Away
- Inter Miami 2-1 Portland
- Portland 0-2 Philadelphia
- San Jose 3-2 Portland
- Los Angelese 2-0 Portland
LA Galaxy Team News
LA striker Dejan Joveljic made history in their previous encounter, becoming the first MLS player to contribute to four goals as a substitute. After replacing Samuel Grandsir just before the hour mark, he scored twice and assisted on the goals scored by Chicharito and Efrain Alvarez.
Portland Timbers Team News
Unfortunately for Savarese, several players will not be available for the Portland Timbers due to injuries. The other players who are injured are David Bingham (back), Blake Bodily (hamstring), Claudio Bravo (thigh), George Fochive (hip), Diego Gutierrez (foot), and Jaroslaw Niezgoda (thigh). At the same time, Felipe Mora is questionable following his knee surgery.
Prediction and Odds
Portland has experienced low points during previous campaigns, but they’ve always managed to snap out of it. Right now, they look like a broken team that the Galaxy should be able to capitalize on.
- Home Win
- Correct Score: 2-0
- No Score: Away
