Timbers Add Preseason Matches Against LA Galaxy, NK Istra 1961

The Portland Timbers have added two more dates to their preseason schedule in the run up to the 2017 Major League Soccer season.

As a part of their preseason camp in Tucson, AZ, the Timbers will face Croatian side NK Istra 1961 on January 31st, then the Timbers will round out their slate of preseason games with a road match against the LA Galaxy on February 25th.

The addition of the match against the Galaxy will break up the Timbers’ back to back matches against Minnesota United in their preseason tournament and home opener. Additionally, the match against Istra 1961 — “NK Istra” is a different team entirely — will replace the Timbers’ previously scheduled match against FC Tucson.

While the Galaxy is a familiar foe for the Timbers, Istra 1961 is a name that few in Portland will be familiar with. A Croation first division side, Istra 1961 has been a regular of the top flight since gaining promotion in 2008, but have struggled to compete against the country’s few larger clubs, including UEFA Champions League regulars Dinamo Zagreb. Istra 1961 currently sit in 8th place in the 10 team 1.HNL as the league enters its extended winter break which will last until late February.