Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. The Portland Timbers return to play this weekend when they travel to face Western Conference rival LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday (7:30pm PT, FOX 12 PLUS).
Team Form
Like the Timbers, the LA Galaxy also had last weekend off due to the international break. Ahead of Saturday's match, the Galaxy sit in sixth place in the Western Conference with a record of 11-11-6 on 39 points. They're currently clinging to a playoff spot, tied on points with fifth place Real Salt Lake (but behind on goal differential) and one point ahead of seventh place Minnesota United, two ahead of eighth place Vancouver. Portland currently sit at 46 points in fourth place.
LA have not won a game since Aug. 14 and are currently on a nine-game winless run (0-5-4) having most recently tied 1-1 with LAFC on Oct. 3.
The Galaxy are led by Greg Vanney. Vanney, who played with LA from 1996-2001 and again in 2008, returned as head coach ahead of the 2021 season after helping direct Toronto FC for seven seasons that included a 2017 treble-winning campaign (MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and Canadian Championship).
In Attack
Coming out blistering fast with 10 goals in his first 10 games of the season, forward Javier "Chicarito" Hernández was slowed by injuries in June but still leads the club with 12 goals on the year. The Mexican international has started five of the last six games, contributing two goals and an assist.
Madagascan international Rayan Raveloson has scored five goals since arriving midseason while Young DP forward Kévin Cabral has four goals on the year.
Homegrown defender Julian Araujo, recently named to MLS' 22 Under 22 list (No. 5), is the team leader in assists with six.
The Galaxy also have a strong midfield that features current U.S. international Sebastian Lletget (1G, 4A), former U.S international Sacha Kljestan (3G, 4A), Samuel Grandsir (3G, 4A) and Barcelona academy product Victor Vázquez (3G, 4A). The midfield also features Designated Player Jonathan dos Santos.
In Defense
Along with leading the team in assists, Araujo also helps with the back line with a team-high 53 interceptions. Second on the team is ex-Timbers outside back Jorge Villafaña.
Centerback Sega Coulibaly has 16 starts on the backline with Nicholas DePuy having started the last two matches to give him 13 starts on the year.
In goal, Jonathan Bond has started 25 games for the Galaxy and has three clean sheets.
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