Since returning to Providence Park one and a half months into the MLS season, the Portland Timbers have done nothing but win, working their way up the ladder in the Western Conference after a trying opening to the season. Now, the Timbers are set to face their greatest challenge to date; now, the Timbers are set to face ZLATAN.
Or whatever.
Today the Timbers face off against a struggling LA Galaxy team built around a group of stars that work together better on the moderate difficulties of a mid 2010’s FIFA iteration, but in reality have yet to function together in any meaningful way since Bruce Arena stepped down to take his ill-fated crack at managing the United States Men’s National Team.
The Galaxy did come out on top in the first meeting of the two sides this year — a week one match in LA played during the dark period when Giovanni Saravese was still trying to come to grips with his new club — and have been in the match in all of their losses, only falling by multiple goals twice: two-nil home defeats to Sporting Kansas City and Atlanta United. The Galaxy’s ability and will to stay in every match paired with the puncher’s chance that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lent the Galaxy means that today’s visitors should not be discounted. If the Timbers want to come out of today’s match unscathed and with all three points, they will need to once again bring their A-game.
Previews
Storylines: “The Galaxy will attack down the right side, using as much width as they can. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alessandrini hug the touchline Saturday afternoon at Providence Park. One of the places they are vulnerable is on set-pieces, they can’t defend them very well - which the Timbers can use to their advantage.”
Make sure to stop by the Rose City Forecast to make your predictions about this afternoon’s match.
Match Information
Watch it on: ESPN2
Where: Providence Park in Portland, OR.
When: June 2nd at 2:00 p.m. PT
Portland Timbers: 6-3-2, 4th place in the Western Conference, Won 3-2 at Colorado Rapids
LA Galaxy: 5-7-1, 8th place in the Western Conference, Lost 3-2 to FC Dallas