The Los Angeles Galaxy are undefeated in their last 14 and going up against an expansion team that has been bad even for an expansion team this season in the Portland Timbers. Even up in the Pacific Northwest at JELD-WEN Field, that's an easy three points for the Galaxy, right? Wrong. The Timbers played an energetic first half that saw them rampaging up the field at will to grab a 2-0 lead over the best team in MLS.
Portland Timbers Vs. LA Galaxy: Timbers Shocking LA, Up 2-0 At Half
While the Galaxy built slowly, the Timbers looked to get forward as quickly as possible. Most of it came through Jorge Perlaza, who was an absolute nightmare for the Galaxy defense. Sure, the Galaxy had their share of possession, but they didn't turn any of it into chances, while the Timbers were creative and threatening seemingly every time they touched the ball in LA's half.
The Timbers finally made the scoreboard reflect their good play in the 24th minute with a beautiful move down the left flank. Some quick passing freed up Diego Chara, who cut the ball back for Mike Chabala. Portland's new acquisition let a blistering shot go towards the far post, but it looked like Josh Saunders had it covered. That is until it took a deflection to get above the diving Saunders and put Portland up, 1-0.
In the 33rd minute, Portland doubled their lead. It was Perlaza who did the honors this time, coming across the field and beating A.J. DeLaGarza to get space in the middle. it was just enough for Perlaza to get a shot away, which was a good, hard one along the turf for the Timbers' second goal.
With Juan Pablo Angel's corpse watching the match go on around him, the Galaxy are going to have trouble trying to make a comeback. They're basically playing a man down with Angel in there and their midfield has been a disaster, meaning that Landon Donovan might have to make the move into the midfield. Meanwhile, Portland needs to avoid the late match disaster they experienced against Toronto on Saturday, blowing a two-goal lead in 10 minutes. If they can play disciplined, which isn't their strength, they can finish this off for three points.
See More:
