LA Galaxy look to continue winning ways in Portland

With a seven-point cushion and just five games left to play in the regular season, the Los Angeles Galaxy are in control of wrapping up the top seed in the Western Conference. They will face a playoff hopeful that they have not lost to since 2021.

Though the LA Galaxy have won three more times over Portland, there is only a one goal differential between the two teams after 34 games. The Galaxy has 62 goals and the Timbers have 61.

Two months ago, the LA Galaxy won 3-2 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The team never trailed against the Timbers as a trio of stars scored.

Gabriel Pec recorded the only goal of the first half. Then, in typical Galaxy fashion, the team scored multiple goals in the second half. Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil added to the scoreboard early on in the second half.

What to expect in this contest?

The Los Angeles Galaxy had perhaps one of their best wins of the season (and perhaps, much-needed). Down 2-0 after the first 15 minutes, the Galaxy was able to respond with four unasnwered goals in the second half.

Dejan Joveljic added two and Puig scored one in addition to his pair of assists. That type of offensive explosion was the difference maker and helped added to the Galaxy's lead in the Western Conference.

Last time against the Timbers, Joveljic did not play, and Marco Reus was added to the team since then. Head Coach Greg Vanney will have two dangerous weapons on offense that he did not have in the previous matchup vs. Portland.

Currently, the Timbers sit at the eighth seed with 40 points as Minnesota United FC is just a point and one spot behind them in the standings. Should the Galaxy clinch first place by the season's end, they could be facing either one of those two teams in the opening round of the MLS Playoffs.

"I think that the team can beat all the teams of MLS. I think that we have a really good level. "

- Greg Vanney, Head Coach of the LA Galaxy

Expect a strong showing on offense from Joveljic, Puig, Reus and company. There are too many weapons and accomplished scorers to not score at least two more goals in this one. Typically, the LA Galaxy do so in bunches (multiple in the same half).

While a shutout would be nice from the Galaxy defense and their goalkeeper John McCarthy, the squad should be proud to allow even just the one goal. They have allowed two goals in both of their last contests this month.

Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Portland Timbers 1.