Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. This Friday, Portland travels to southern California to take on the LA Galaxy (7pm PT, ESPN).
Team Form
The Galaxy are in third place in the Western Conference on 25 points with a record of 8-6-1. Most recently, LA lost 4-0 on the road against FC Dallas on July 24.
Portland last faced the Galaxy on May 22 at Providence Park when the Timbers ran out as 3-0 victors. LA has gone 4-4-1 since that game in the Rose City.
They are fourth in the conference in goals scored (23) but last in goals conceded (26).
In attack
The Galaxy attack this season has been led by Mexican forward Chicharito who had been blazing through the 2021 campaign with 10 goals and two assists. While those 10 goals are good for second in the MLS Golden Boot race, Chicharito has not played since June 26 due to a calf injury.
French winger Samuel Grandsir has a team-leading four assists while former U.S. international Sacha Kljestan has contributed two goals and three assists in 15 appearances. After making his MLS debut on July 4, Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson has scored three goals in his five starts.
Midfielders Sebastian Lletget (U.S.) and Efraín Álvarez (Mexico) are away on international duty at the Concacaf Gold Cup.
In Defense
Former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Jonathan Bond has played every minute of the 2021 season for the Galaxy and has two clean sheets.
Another constant in defense is former Portland Timbers defender Jorge Villafaña. A member of Portland's 2015 MLS Cup team, Villafaña has made 15 starts for the Galaxy this year. Centerback Daniel Steres is the longest tenured player on the Galaxy roster and has made 11 appearances on the backline.
19-year old Homegrown defender Julian Araujo is currently second in MLS in tackles won with 29 through 14 games.
Familiar Faces
Along with the aforementioned Villafaña, the LA roster also features former Timbers 2 striker Augustine Williams. Williams scored 11 goals in 65 appearances with T2 from 2016-2018 before moving to LA Galaxy II and contributing 20 goals in 51 matches. The 23-year old made his Major League Soccer debut on July 7 in a substitute appearance against FC Dallas.
