CARSON, Calif. – Motivation would seem to be plentiful for the LA Galaxy (2-1-1) when they take on the defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers (1-2-1) on Sunday at StubHub Center (6:30 p.m., Fox Sports 1). But first impressions can be deceiving.
The Timbers defeated the Galaxy in their previous meeting at StubHub Center last Oct. 18, 5-2, and snapped a five-game winless streak (0-3-2) against their Western Conference rival. The crushing loss was part of a regular-season ending, 1-4-2 slide that was followed by the Galaxy’s stunning 3-2 defeat at Seattle in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.