The Portland Timbers' quest for their first win of the 2015 MLS season continues on Sunday, when the Timbers host the LA Galaxy at Providence Park. Two of the league's most dangerous offenses, featuring Robbie Keane and Fanendo Adi, will push the opposing defenses to their limits in what's sure to be one of the most exciting games of the week, and a potential Western Conference playoff preview.
The Timbers opened their season with a scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake, and were unlucky not to end the game with three points. The Timbers, who are currently battling numerous injuries, plugged a few players not part of the 2014 squad into the starting XI. Young Colombian winger Dairon Asprilla was one of those newcomers, and pleaded his case to remain in the starting lineup.
The Timbers will focus on defense against the Galaxy. Their goalkeeper and back four are still working out the kinks together, and will need a solid performance if they want to shut down the best goal scoring team of 2014. Two of the new additions, goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey and center back Nat Borchers, seem to be key parts in this early resurgence of defense in Portland. Kwarasey has solidified his position as a starter, but Borchers is still fighting with Noberto Paparatto for starting duties. For now, Borchers retains the starting spot. If the Timbers hold the Galaxy scoreless, it will be their second straight shutout. Portland failed to record a shutout in their first 12 games of the 2014 season.
Timbers head coach Caleb Porter is forever tinkering with his midfield and forwards, and it's unsure if he will keep the same four up top from last game; Darlington Nagbe, Dairon Asprilla, Rodney Wallace, and Fanendo Adi. Adi is the preferred striker to Maxi Urruti by Porter, and is the most likely to start against the Galaxy. The other three are a little more ambiguous. As of now there's no indication of any change in the starters, but Gaston Fernandez is waiting in the shadows. Depending on tactics from both the Timbers and the Galaxy, Fernandez could be subbed in to provide a little more attacking prowess from the center of the field.
The LA Galaxy opened their 2015 season in style at the StubHub Center in LA against the Chicago Fire. Goals from Jose Villarreal and Keane helped the Galaxy earn three points and an early tie for Western Conference supremacy. The league's best offense was aided with a good showing from their defense to secure a shutout against Chicago.
The Galaxy defense will need another great performance to keep the Timbers Army quiet on Sunday. The LA defense is not at full strength yet with AJ DeLaGarza still recovering from a leg injury. DeLaGarza came on for just seven minutes against Chicago, and will likely start on the bench for one more week to further his recovery.
No matter how good LA's defense might be, it's likely their offense will be the stars. Robbie Keane will look for two goals in two straight games in defense of his 2014 MVP award. One of the league's best veteran strikers will be paired with one of the league's best young striker, Gyasi Zardes. Zardes has thrived up top since his move from the wing in 2014, but has yet to score this season. Zardes will be backed by Stephan Ishizaki and Baggio Husidic in the midfield, two key players in the Galaxy's 2015 MLS Cup run. Husidic has one assist on the year.
The Portland Timbers have their work cut out for them if they want to secure any amount of points against the LA Galaxy. An injury-ridden midfield and an inconsistent offense hinder the Timbers' chances, but a new-look defense will hope to provide a solid base for them to attack on. It's the Galaxy's game to lose, but anything can happen when the Timbers play in front of their army.