The Portland Timbers welcome the Los Angeles Galaxy to Providence Park for the two clubs final meeting of the 2016 regular season. With the two sides separated by just three points, it’s guaranteed to be a heated match. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 12:30pm PT on ESPN.
Both clubs are in fine form
The Timbers and Galaxy both come into this game following solid victories over the Seattle Sounders. Portland defeated Seattle 3-1 at Providence Park last Sunday, while Los Angeles bested them 4-2 Wednesday night in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
These two teams are also sporting long undefeated records. Portland hasn’t been beaten over the last nine games, with two wins over the period. The city of angels was last defeated six games ago in regular season play but is currently on an impressive three-game win streak.
With the both clubs doing well and looking to climb the Western Conference standing even further, points are at a premium. Just three points separate the teams right now, with the Galaxy in third place with 32 points and the Timbers in sixth with 29 points. Something else to keep in mind here is that LA has played just 19 games, three less than the Timbers. A win would put Bruce Arena’s team in a solid spot for a late season Supporters' Shield run.
Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard are questionable to play
Things could be tough for the Galaxy if either Ashley Cole or Steven Gerrard have to sit things out. Portland likes to attack up the right flank with right back Alvas Powell, where Cole would usually be defending. Gerrard has been instrumental in the attack as of late, scoring in their last regular season match against Houston and contributing two assists on June 4th against Vancouver.
Providence Park is a fortress
The Timbers play well at home historically. So far this season the club is a strong 7-2-2 in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. In line with this, the only time Los Angeles has won in Stumptown was back in June 2012 when the stadium was known as Jeld-Wen Field. A 5-3 drubbing where Robbie Keane and David Beckham each scored twice and Landon Donovan once.
SportsCenter will be on site in Portland
A Major League Soccer match will play host to SportsCenter on the Road for the very first time this Saturday in Portland. The show will be hosted by Max Bretos and Dianna Russini inside Providence Park at 11:30am PT, one hour prior to kickoff. This is huge for both MLS and Portland, potentially signifying a larger media focus on soccer in the United States and on the small market sports town of Portland, Oregon.
Prediction
The L.A Galaxy have already played this week, could potentially be missing two starters, and are on the road. With Portland at home and on an undefeated streak, they have the edge. Look for a Diego Valeri goal in the second half to put the game away.
Portland Timbers 2, LA Galaxy 1