Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy: How to Watch, Preview, Match Chat [12:30]

The Portland Timbers look to continue their rise up the ranks of the Western Conference today, taking on one of the league's hottest team's in the LA Galaxy. The Timbers will ante up their current nine game unbeaten run against a third place LA side that is unbeaten in five and has won their last three.

This game will be missing big-name players from both sides as Liam Ridgewell, Ashley Cole, and Steven Gerrard are all likely out due to injury, but with both sides approaching their typical late-season form -- a well known trait of Bruce Arena and Caleb Porter's teams -- this should be a fierce battle no matter who is own the pitch.

Match Preview

"With Ashley Cole's absence in the defense, the Timbers could look to expose the young Dave Romney at left back with Lucas Melano's speed and Diego Valeri's vision and skill. The young USF grad has performed well since coming into the league last year, however, it is an area of opportunity, especially with those two Timbers."

Match Information

Watch it on: ESPN

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. PT at Providence Park in Portland, OR

Portland Timbers: 7-6-8, 6th place in the Western Conference

LA Galaxy: 8-3-8, 3rd place in the Western Conference