3 of the most memorable games between the LA Galaxy & the Portland Timbers

The 42nd match of the regular season between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Portland Timbers will take place Sunday. In the 41 contests involving the two teams, the LA Galaxy have won 15 times and lost 16 times.

There have also been 10 draws in this storied history. The latest came last month at Portland, 1-1, earning the Galaxy's first point of the 2025 regular season in the Western Conference standings.

Here, we take a look at three of the games that stand out the most when the LA Galaxy take the field against one of their rivals in the Pacific Northwest.

1. LA Galaxy 5, Portland Timbers 0; June 24th, 2015

It was during the Los Angeles Galaxy's fifth MLS title defense this season. They were the 2014 Champions.

The had their biggest margin of victory ever in this game against the Timbers. Furthermore, the shutout added to the rivalry with Portland.

Five different players for the LA Galaxy found the back of the net. Sebastian Lletget, Robbie Keane, and Robbie Rogers scored in the first half. Juninho and Jose Villarreal did so in the second half.

Keane's goal came off a penalty kick in the 18th minute of the game. Villarreal's score happened following a red card to the Timbers' Liam Ridgewell. Ten minutes after Ridgewell's ejection, Villarreal capitalized on the advantage.

The Panama born goalkeeper, Jaime Penedo, posted the shutout while making just one save. The LA Galaxy controlled possession less than the Timbers did in this game. They even conceded nine corner kicks to Portland, five more than they had.

Yet, this blowout victory should stand out in the memories of LA Galaxy fans.

2. LA Galaxy 3, Portland Timbers 6; October 7th, 2020

This game did not go in favor of the LA Galaxy. Late in the 2020 MLS regular season, visitors were blown out by their host, the Portland Timbers.

Julian Araujo, Ethan Zubak, and Cristian Pavon all scored for the LA Galaxy. However, their opponent on this night doubled what they did.

The Timbers had two players score twice, Felipe Mora and Jeremy Ebobisse. Diego Valeri and Larrys Mabiala also found the back of the net against the LA Galaxy.

Despite the Galaxy's 17 shot attempts, only five were on target. Of the Timbers ten shot attempts all but three were on target. That resulted in six total goals for Portland.

Not the best showing for the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Portland Timbers.

3. LA Galaxy 2, Portland Timbers 4; September 18th, 2024

There are quite a few notables for a third game. However, going with a recent match that had implications to the Los Angeles Galaxy's ending in the MLS Western Conference standings last year has impact.

Their 19-8-7 record, tied with LAFC for the best in the West last season. The LA Galaxy lost the tiebreak to their cross-town rival via one goal in terms of differential.

Momentum was in favor of the visiting LA Galaxy. They already had a playoff berth secured going into this Wednesday night game on the road. Both Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil added to the scoreboard for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

A 4-2 loss was not expected and put the eventual 2024 MLS Cup victors on alert. Evander scored twice for the Timbers. Luckily, he is now with FC Cincinnati and won't be involved in Sunday's game.

Had the LA Galaxy prevented the loss or at least another goal from Portland, they may have been the Western Conference's top seed in the playoffs last year. As we know, being the second seed worked in favor for head coach Greg Vanney and his squad.