Galaxy, Timbers square off amid early-season lulls

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Portland Timbers both opened the MLS season with positive results.

But it has gone downhill from there.

The Galaxy (1-2-1, 4 points) and Timbers (1-3-0, 3 points) will be looking to snap losing streaks when they meet in a Western Conference showdown Sunday afternoon in Portland.

The Galaxy played to a 1-1 draw with New York City FC in their season opener before beating Charlotte 3-0 in Week 2. Since that promising start at home, they have lost 4-1 at Colorado and dropped a 2-1 decision last Saturday to visiting Sporting Kansas City.

Los Angeles did rebound Thursday to advance past Jamaica's Mt. Pleasant in CONCACAF Champions Cup play 6-0 on aggregate.

"There are things where we've got to be better, like finishing some of our chances, but I think the pieces are there, and I think you've seen in performances," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said, in reference to the team's MLS play.

Despite an 18-7 edge in shots, including 5-4 on attempts on target against Sporting KC, the Galaxy couldn't find the net until Marco Reus tallied in the 82nd minute. New addition Joao Klauss has five goals across all competitions and a team-best four in MLS play.

"We've just got to put the 90 minutes together and finish chances, and we've got to put the 90 minutes together and stay solid on the defensive end," Vanney said. "A lot of those bits and pieces have been there, but not all collectively for enough of the games."

The Timbers have lost three in a row since opening the season with a 3-2 victory against visiting Columbus.

They appeared on their way to a draw last Saturday in Houston when Kristoffer Velde tied it in the 79th minute, but the 10-man Dynamo scored in the 15th minute of second-half stoppage time to pull out a 3-2 victory.

"You have to keep faith, and you have to believe in each other and continue to work and trust that it's going to pay off," said Gage Guerra, who also scored for Portland. "Unfortunately, it didn't (last Saturday). It was last-minute. We couldn't get a result on the road. But we're that close."

In 40 all-time meetings between Portland and Los Angeles, the series is tied 15-15-10.