Hello, and welcome back! After a week off since the Colorado Rapids tested positive for COVID — forcing the postponement of their match — the Portland Timbers are off to Carson, California to take on the LA Galaxy. The last time the Timbers played it was still the month of September, when they beat the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Galaxy are coming off a 2-1 loss to rival San Jose.

This match marks the 25th regular-season meeting and the 28th meeting across all competitions between the Timbers and the LA Galaxy since Portland joined MLS in 2011. Portland has a losing record in the series at 10-11-6 (W-L-D). But dating back to 2017, Portland has a record of 6-3-1 against the Galaxy across all competitions, outscoring LA 20-10 during that span. Notably, Diego Valeri has registered seven goals and eight assists in 18 regular-season matches against the Galaxy.

The Galaxy sit in dead last in the Western Conference and that’s most likely where they’re going to stay the rest of the season. The Portland Timbers on the other hand are sitting in second place — three points behind the rival Seattle Sounders, who sit in the pole position with 27 points.

I expect a fully rested squad and a first choice 11 from Coach Giovanni Savarese. Though I’m curious as to how Gio will deploy Jeremy Ebobisse. Will he be out on the wing, or will he be in that number nine spot? The squad will be missing Andy Polo who is off with Peru for World Cup Qualifying.

Starting Lineups

LA Galaxy:

Portland Timbers:

Location: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson CA
Kick-off time: 7:30 Pacific/10:30 Eastern
TV broadcast: ROOT SPORTS
Rival SB Nation site: LAG Confidential
Radio broadcast: 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish)