The Portland Timbers’ unbeaten streak ended at eight, as they suffered their first loss since August in a 2-1 defeat in Los Angeles to the LA Galaxy. An unfortunate mistake on the backline would gift Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez the opener and an audacious back post chip from Sebastian Blanco would grab the equalizer back for Portland momentarily. A stoppage-time penalty scored by Sacha Kljestian broke Portland hearts and gave the Galaxy the win at the death.
The match began as most Timbers away days do - with the hosts holding most of the ball and Portland sitting in their mid-block absorbing pressure and counterattacking.