The LA Galaxy suffered a massive defeat at home to Portland Timbers, 3-6, experiencing the full power of the MLS is Back tournament winners.
It was a display of ruthless force from the Timbers who are second in the Western Conference, trailing Seattle Sounders three points but finding themselves in the best form comparing to other rivals in this assembly. Portland won four straight victories, among which against Seattle as well.
The Timbers opened this match early, with Felipe Mora scoring a goal in the 14th minute after Yimmi Chara’s assist. Jeremy Ebobisse netted the first of his two goals in the 23rd minute, firing a perfectly aimed free-kick that would surprise Galaxy’s goalie David Bingham who expected Diego Valeri‘s shot.
Julian Araujo cut the deficit for the hosts in the 34th minute. Their hopes for a comeback were hurt after Valeri’s goal in the second minute of the second half when Timbers’ best player routinely bet Bingham. Ethan Zubak, however, struck in the 55th minute to bring LA to a one-goal gap once again, but the response from the other side was furious.
Portland scored twice in three minutes, with Mora and Larrys Mabiala hitting the back of the rival’s net. Cristian Pavon added his name to the scoresheet in the 70th, making it 3-5, but Ebobisse closed the match ten minutes before the end of the regulations.
Timbers’ massive win was generated without Sebastian Blanco, who was out, making it even more impressive. It is also a message to all other rivals that Giovanni Savarese’s side has a massive depth. We often witness in the MLS that the absence of one player completely disturbs the entire unit. That is not the case with Portland, however.
This is the first time the Timbers have scored five or more goals in multiple matches in the same season since joining MLS.
2020 joins 2004 and 1982 as seasons with multiple 5-goal games in all eras of the club. #RCTID— Mike Donovan (@TheMikeDonovan) October 8, 2020
As for the struggling Galaxy, they are at the bottom of the Western Conference with 15 points in the same number of matches, four points away from the eight spots, the last that leads to the playoffs. The big problem is that Colorado Rapids, who are currently occupying that position, have two games in hand compared to Galaxy.
The team from LA suffered five consecutive defeats and is looking very pale, especially the defense. It allowed two or more goals in all the contests during that period.
Up next, they visit Colorado Rapids on October 10, while Portland awaits the San Jose Earthquakes, one day later.