The Galaxy beat the Timbers in the one statistic that mattered most: group hugs.
The Timbers were missing captain Liam Ridgewell to injury, but the hosts were at least given some small respite from the Galaxy’s star studded lineup when it was revealed Steven Gerrard would also miss the match due to a ‘minor knock’.
The anatomical location of the former Liverpoool standout’s injury was undisclosed at kickoff, however medical translators in the Rose City described it as a regular affliction of EPL retirees (cough, Lampard, cough, Drogba), a diagnosis commonly known as a turf allergy. Perhaps the pollen count in rubber granules is more severe in summer weather.
LA opened the scoring when Giovani dos Santos found far too much time and space to pick out an unmarked Robbie Keane inside the six yard box in the 7th minute, the Irishman doing what he does best and poaching from close range.
In Ridgewell’s absence the centerback pairing of Nat Borchers and Jermaine Taylor looked like a couple of tires well past their warranty’s expiration, and Gerrard’s replacement Emmanuel Boateng made them both look flat as he found Gyasi Zardes for the eventual matchwinner in the 11th minute.
The second goal was a near mirror image of the first, the sight of both of Portland’s flanks being exposed so early without marking in the middle made the match appear on its way to a blowout.
The defending MLS champions were able to bring some semblance of order back before halftime, Darlington Nagbe’s calm control picking out Zarek Valentin for a blistering shot from the edge of the area in the 41st minute to halve the visitor’s lead.
Portland Timbers defender Zarek Valentin celebrates his first goal for the club.
That momentum shift was short lived as Borchers went down wincing in pain tracking Keane, an apparent Achilles tendon tear suffered as the player was stretchered off and replaced by Amobi Okugo just prior to intermission. The veteran centerback will be hopeful his contract includes the extended warranty option.
Injury to Borchers left the Timbers stretched for defensive options against a potent Galaxy offense.
In the second half LA looked content to soak up pressure and counterattack, but solid defending and timely intervention on numerous positive penetrations from Portland by goalkeeper Mike Rowe preserved the Galaxy’s lead through to the final whistle.
LA goal keeper Brian Rowe saves a shot from Portland’s midfielder Lucas Melano.
