Los Angeles Galaxy (16-6-7) travel to face off against Portland Timbers (11-10-7) on Wednesday, September 18th. This match will be played at Providence Park in Portland, OR. Los Angeles Galaxy is coming off a win in their previous match, while Portland Timbers will be looking to get back on track from a loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy. The match is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs Portland Timbers
Los Angeles Galaxy Is Coming Off A Win
The Los Angeles Galaxy will be looking to build off their 4-2 win over the Los Angeles FC. This match was played at home and they went into it as the +148 underdog. The six combined goals surpassed the pre-match over/under line of 3.5 goals.
Helping to lead the offensive attack for the Galaxy was Dejan Joveljić, who scored two times on his three total shots. Riqui Puig was another player who had a big game, finishing with one goal on four total shots and dishing out two assists.
On the defensive end, the Galaxy’s back line allowed two goals on LA FC’s five total shots on goal. John McCarthy finished with three saves, and as a defensive unit, the Galaxy had a total of 11 interceptions while blocking seven shots.
The Los Angeles Galaxy enter this match vs. the Portland Timbers with a record of 16-6-7, which has them in 1st place in the Western Conference. Overall, they have been strong at home, going 11-1-3, but have struggled on the road, going 5-5-4. Over their last four matches, they have gone 3-1, with their only loss coming vs. St. Louis City SC on September 1st. Following this match, they will return home to take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, September 22nd.
Portland Timbers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Portland Timbers will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids. This match was played on the road, and going into the match, they were the heavy underdog at +270. The three combined goals were just below the over/under line of 3.5 goals.
Portland’s attack scored just one time on their four shots on goal and 17 total shot attempts. David Ayala was the only player for the Timbers to score, with Miguel Araujo finishing with the club’s only assist.
On the defensive end, the Timbers allowed two goals on Colorado’s four shots on goal and 15 total shots. Maxime Crepeau finished with two saves, and as a defensive unit, the Timbers had six blocked shots and 14 interceptions.
In their last four matches, the Portland Timbers have gone 1-2-1, including a loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy on July 21st. Overall, they are 11-10-7 and sit in 8th place in the Western Conference. At home, they have been strong, going 8-2-4, but on the road, they have struggled, posting a record of 3-8-3. Following this match, they will head on the road to take on Real Salt Lake on September 22nd.
Los Angeles Galaxy Offense Breakdown
The Los Angeles Galaxy have been one of the most potent offenses in MLS this season, ranking second in goals scored and shots on goal. Dejan Joveljić has been their top scorer, ranking ninth in the league with 14 goals. Gabriel Chaves has been their top playmaker, ranking seventh in MLS in assists and 22nd in goals scored. He has also been the leader in shots on goal for the Galaxy. Overall, the Galaxy have been the most accurate passing team in the league, completing 88.4% of their passes.
Portland Timbers Offense Breakdown
The Portland Timbers have been one of the most potent offenses in the MLS this season, averaging 2.0 goals per match, which is the third-best mark in the league. They have been led by Jonathan Rodríguez, who is 13th in the MLS with 13 goals scored. He also leads the Timbers in shots on goal, ranking 14th in the league. Evander has been the team’s top playmaker, as his 13 assists are the second-most in the MLS. He also has 12 goals, which is 15th in the league.
Los Angeles Galaxy Defense Breakdown
Heading into their match against the Portland Timbers, the Los Angeles Galaxy’s defense is 10th in the MLS, allowing 1.4 goals per match. Over their last five matches, they have given up an average of 1.6 goals per match. In their last match, they gave up two goals to the 7th ranked offense in the league, Los Angeles FC. Overall, they have given up two goals in three of their last five matches. John McCarthy is the team’s top goalkeeper, and he is 13th in the MLS with six clean sheets. He is also second in the league with 108 saves.
Portland Timbers Defense Breakdown
Heading into their match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Portland Timbers’ defense is struggling, as they are giving up 1.7 goals per match, which is 21st in the MLS. Over their last three matches, they have given up six goals, including four to the 20th-ranked St. Louis City SC. Keeper Maxime Crépeau is 40th in the MLS with just one clean sheet this season.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs Portland Timbers Prediction
Even though the LA Galaxy come in with the edge in passing percentage, we have the Timbers pulling out a 2-1 win. This season, Portland is 3rd in goals scored and 3rd in shooting percentage. Our projections have Jonathan Rodriguez as the top goal scorer for the match, and he has the best odds to score for the Timbers. As for the match, we have Portland getting off 19 shots compared to just 14 for LA.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
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Last updated:September 17, 2024 Los Angeles Galaxy, Portland Timbers