Match Preview: LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers

The LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers will play today at 7:30 p.m. (PT) in the match for week 32 of the MLS regular season from the Dignity Health Sports Park. The visitor comes from winning the last matchday and will seek to continue on the path of victory. For its part, the home team comes to this match after a previous draw.

LA Galaxy tied 3-3 against Austin FC. Their performance in the recent dates of the current season is irregular: they had 2 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. They conceded 12 goals and registered only 12 in favor. Portland Timbers are coming off a 3-2 win against the Colorado Rapids. In the 4 recent games played, they accumulated 3 wins and 1 draw. They scored a total of 11 goals and conceded 6.

A review of the history of the last 5 clashes shows a favorable advantage for the home team, since they won 3 times, while the visitors tied the remaining games. The last head-to-head in this competition was on March 25, and they sealed a 0-0 tie.

The LA Galaxy urgently needs to add 3 points to stay in the race to enter the playoffs, but... How does Galaxy's offense function without Puig, who has been consistent all season and vital for MLS Cup playoff hopes? The Timbers will bring physicality. Puig draws fouls, and without him, the team relies on Douglas Costa.

Costa's return will ease Puig's playmaking burden, but if it's just Costa, the Galaxy's performance is uncertain (38.9% win rate). With recent defensive struggles, they may need to outscore opponents. Will their offensive limitations be evident without their top playmakers? Can they recover from three consecutive two-goal deficits?

Joseph Dickerson is the designated referee for this match.