MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, March 12, 2017
Kickoff: 4 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: StubHub Center (Carson, Calif.)
Forecast: Partly cloudy, 68 degrees
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Assistant Referees: Frank Anderson, Eduardo Mariscal Fourth Official: Ricardo Salazar
National TV: FS1
Talent: Rob Stone (host), Brad Friedel (Co-commentator), John Strong (play- by-play), Alexi Lalas (analyst), Katie Witham (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Sunday’s match marks the 17th league game between Portland and the Galaxy since 2011, with the Timbers only losing twice in the last five matches between the two teams (1-1-2). Heading into the game, the Timbers are coming off a strong 5-1 win against expansion side Minnesota United FC in the league’s opening game of the season, with three different players scoring for Portland in the win. Midfielder Diego Valeri and forward Fanendo Adi each recorded a brace, while defender Lawrence Olum scored his first MLS goal with the club. Additionally midfielder Darlington Nagbe and defender Vytas each recorded their first assists of the season. The Galaxy enter Sunday’s game after dropping three points in their opening game, falling 2-1 against FC Dallas at home.
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers defeated Minnesota United FC 5-1 at Providence Park on March 3, marking the Timbers’ largest victory in a season-opening match during the team’s MLS era. Three different players scored for Portland in the win, with forward Fanendo Adi and midfielder Diego Valeri each recording a brace and defender Lawrence Olum, opening the score, as the Timbers recorded five goals at home in a regular-season match for the first time in MLS.
SCOUTING THE GALAXY
The Galaxy enter Sunday’s match coming off the team’s first defeat of the season after dropping three points at home in a 2-1 defeat to FC Dallas on March 4. Mexican forward Giovanni dos Santos scored the team’s lone goal in the match against Dallas, converting a well-placed effort into the top corner from the penalty spot. Heading into the 2017 MLS season, the Galaxy had a number of changes to their roster during the offseason, including the departure of Irish striker Robbie Keane, who scored 83 goals and recorded 45 assists in six seasons with the Galaxy, and midfielder Steven Gerrard, who announced his retirement as a player following the 2016 campaign. Additionally, 2016 head coach Bruce Arena and assistant coach Dave Sarachan have also left the club, joining the United States Men’s National Team. The Galaxy acquired eight players during the offseason, including U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Jermaine Jones and midfielder Romain Alessandrini. Transferring from French club Olympique Marseille, Alessandrini brings over 200 professional appearances.
LAST TIME VS. THE GALAXY
The Timbers surrendered a pair of goals in the first half and were unable to overcome the deficit, falling 2-1 to the LA Galaxy before 21,144 fans at Providence Park on July 23, 2016.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Sunday’s match marks the 17th league game between Portland and the LA Galaxy since 2011. Dating back to March 2015, the Timbers have only lost twice in their last five regular-season matches against the Galaxy. Additionally, Portland is unbeaten in its last two fixtures against the Galaxy at the StubHub Center. After scoring five second-half goals to defeat LA 5-2 at the StubHub Center on Oct. 18, 2015, Portland earned an away point with a 1-1 draw against the Galaxy on April 10, 2016, in its only league match in southern California last season. Forward Fanendo Adi scored the Timbers lone goal in the match. Since joining the Timbers midway through 2014, Adi has scored the most goals against the Galaxy during that stretch (5).
