LA Galaxy vs. Portland: Three Key Takeaways

The Portland Timbers have won their first two matches of the season for the first time ever, defeating the Los Angles Galaxy 1-0 on Sunday.

An early goal in the eighth minute proved to be the match-winner as Diego Chara tapped in a pass from Diego Valeri.

The LA Galaxy’s comeback hopes took a hit when captain Jelle Van Damme received a second yellow card and was sent off in 34th minute. However, the home side continued to attack and almost found an equaliser at the very last breath, but Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson made a terrific save to preserve the win.

Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s match.

#1 Timbers off to a good start

A 5-1 win last week and 1-0 result this week will have Timbers fans pleased with their clubs start. Their win against the Galaxy is the club’s first away result since the 2015 MLS Cup Final. Granted, it wasn’t a win against a full squad, but a result is a result in this league and the Timbers have something going here.

#2 Galaxy fight for points

It was a tough match for the Galaxy, losing Giovani dos Santos in the first half, and being a man down for almost two-thirds of the match was a tall ask of them. However, they made an effort to try and rescue a point at the end and they probably would have if it wasn’t for some fine goalkeeping by Gleeson.

There were holes in the defense at times and the Timbers goal was an awful display as defending as Valeri and Chara just walked into the box. On the contrary, Rafael Garcia’s last stitch save on Fernando Adi’s breakaway was one of the best hustle plays of the weekend.

With dos Santos reportedly being evaluated Monday, the Galaxy could take a big hit if the results are not good.

#3 Gleeson was fantastic

The Timbers goalkeeper had some big saves in the match and was the man of the match in that aspect. He records his seventh career clean sheet and improves to 2-0 as a starter this season.

Next: MLS Multiplex 2016 Team of the Year

Next, the Timbers will play host to the Houston Dynamo on Saturday. Both teams have won their first two games of the season. The LA Galaxy will travel to Rio Tinto Stadium to play Real Salt Lake on Saturday as well.