The Los Angeles Galaxy keep rolling as they notched their fourth Major League Soccer victory in a row. While they had their shutout streak ended, Los Angeles bested the Portland Timbers 2-1. Los Angeles started the match quickly, scoring both goals before the 15th minute. Portland did manage to cut the lead in half, but it was not enough as the Galaxy held on for all three points.
LA is on an impressive run of form at the moment. They have not lost any of their last eight matches – two draws – in all competitions. During this same time span, both sides of the ball have been clicking. The Galaxy have scored 12 goals from a variety of different players. But Los Angeles has also tightened up their backline.
Throughout these last eight matches played, the Galaxy have given up just four goals – two of those coming in U.S. Open Cup play. Bruce Arena will most certainly be pleased with how is side is playing at the moment especially considering how often they are having to rotate their lineups.
Galaxy find two goals early
Things could not have gone better for Arena and his squad as they opened the scoring on eight minutes. Giovani dos Santos sent a cross towards the middle of the six-yard-box. The Galaxy captain, Robbie Keane, one-timed his attempt past the Portland goalkeeper.
Four minutes later, Los Angeles scored their second in just the 11th minute. This time, Emmanuel Boateng floated a cross from the left towards Gyasi Zardes. The ball was the perfect height for Zardes to nod downward and into the net.
Portland’s first chance of the 90 minutes came in the 26th. Diego Valeri threaded a pass to Lucas Melano and the latter tested Brian Rowe for the first time. The Galaxy goalkeeper made a big stop to keep the 2-0 lead.
Valentin strikes, Portland fall short
However, that lead for the Galaxy got cut in half four minutes before the halftime interval. Zarek Valentin found himself alone in acres of space at the top of the penalty area. He unleashed a good shot that got by Rowe.
In the 74th minute, Portland, through Fernando Adi, had the best chance to score the equalizing goal. Adi found himself one - one with the Galaxy shot stopper. Rowe came off his line bravely to close down any possible angle for Adi. As a result, Adi did not get a good shot off and Rowe made a huge save to keep the one goal advantage.
Coming up
Los Angeles finally has over a week to rest and prepare for their next match. On Sunday, July 30th, they play the Seattle Sounders again, but this time, up in Seattle. Portland, meanwhile, will make the trek to Kansas City to take on Sporting on Sunday night.