MLS Weekend Predictions: Friday, July 4
By Chase Ruttig
Jun 28, 2014; Palo Alto, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes (11, center) is congratulated by defender Dan Gargan (33, right) for scoring a goal against San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch (18, left) during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Galaxy (5-3-5, 6th Western) vs Portland Timbers (4-5-8, 7th Western)
Galaxy Form: W/L/W/D/D Timbers Form: L/W/D/D/W
Last Match: 1-1 Draw (May 11, 2014)
Hosting the Timbers on Independence Day, Landon Donovan and the Galaxy will look to continue their climb up the Western Conference with plenty of games at hand and no more US Open Cup obligations to focus on after being upset by the Carolina RailHawks.
Their Fourth of July opponents in Portland advanced to the US Open Cup with a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, but that came at the expense of a home loss to Sporting on the weekend as the Timbers fell victim to Kansas City in a 1-0 loss that continued their struggles in league play. Portland’s defense will be tested in this match with the likes of Donovan and Robbie Keane looking to give the fans a quality performance in what should be a high profile Friday night event, something that doesn’t bode well for a Timbers side that has allowed 28 goals in 17 matches this season.
The Galaxy will still be missing key centreback Omar Gonzalez, but that shouldn’t matter this week as with a motivated Donovan looking to prove his critics and Jurgen Klinsmann wrong the Galaxy should continue their climb up the West table in a home win. If they don’t, it might be time to start making adjustments for manager Bruce Arena as the Galaxy remain 15 points out of first in the West.
Prediction: Galaxy