After an impressive opening game victory last Saturday, Los Angeles Football Club will play host to the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer action on Sunday at Banc of California Stadium with kickoff at 6 am.
Even though the 2022 campaign is in its infancy, Steve Cherundolo and his Los Angeles side have already shown us some promising signs. In their opening fixture, the former American international talked about a standout performer.
It was a team effort, though, with newcomers also making an impact. Cherundolo has repeatedly stressed that one individual is not more important than anyone else.
One of the most intriguing aspects of LAFC’s play last week was their midfield presence, as they were able to win balls and pick out open strikers behind space. They have plenty of talented players on this team, but the intelligence and savvy exhibited by some of these game managers helped dictate the tempo of that match.
Despite conceding a goal on the cusp of halftime, Portland’s resilient side dug deep at Providence Park and earned a draw against their tough opponents, New England Revolution. The Timbers put in a good performance—and even managed to take two shots on target—but the team will be disappointed with their missed chances, as the away side fired seven shots on goal.
Los Angeles vs Portland Head to Head
Both sides have 12 games against each other, with hosts taking four wins while visitors with five wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Los Angeles 3-0 Colorado Rapids
- Los Angeles 6-1 NY Red Bulls
- Los Angeles 0-2 DC United
- Toronto 2-1 Los Angeles
- Los Angeles 1-1 NER
Away
- Portland 2-2 NER
- Portland 3-0 Real Salt Lake
- Timbers 1-3 Viking FK
- Portland 1-0 Minnesota
- Timbers 0-0 Seattle
Los Angeles Team News
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi has a sore left pelvis, Eddie Segura is nursing a sore right knee, Erik Duenas has been bothered by a sore left knee, and Julian Gaines has hurt his right groin.
Portland Timbers Team News
Timbers midfielder Yimmi Chara scored a bicycle kick goal against New England, receiving Goal of the Week honors. The other Portland tally came courtesy of Dairon Asprilla.
Prediction and Odds
LA looks to be the real deal, and when Vela is in the mood and healthy, they are an elite team who can cause headaches for even the best defensive sides in MLS.
- Home Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Under 3.5
