Galaxy, Timbers Square Off Amid Early-Season Lulls

Both teams look to snap losing streaks in Western Conference showdown

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Portland Timbers, who both opened the MLS season with positive results, have since fallen on hard times. The Galaxy (1-2-1, 4 points) and Timbers (1-3-0, 3 points) will look to get back on track when they meet in a Western Conference matchup on Sunday afternoon in Portland.

Why it matters

The Galaxy and Timbers are two of the more prominent teams in the Western Conference, so their early-season struggles are noteworthy. Both teams will be desperate for a win to kickstart their seasons and keep pace in the competitive West.

The details

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

  • The Galaxy and Timbers will meet on Sunday afternoon.
  • The Galaxy opened the season with a 1-1 draw and a 3-0 win, but have since lost two in a row.
  • The Timbers opened the season with a 3-2 win, but have lost three straight since then.

The players

Greg Vanney

The head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Joao Klauss

A new addition to the Los Angeles Galaxy who has five goals across all competitions and a team-best four in MLS play.

Gage Guerra

A player for the Portland Timbers who scored a goal in their 3-2 loss to the Houston Dynamo last Saturday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Greg Vanney, Head Coach, Los Angeles Galaxy

“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. Unfortunately, it didn't (last Saturday). It was last-minute. We couldn't get a result on the road. But we're that close.”

— Gage Guerra, Player, Portland Timbers

What’s next

The Galaxy and Timbers will look to build momentum with a win in their Western Conference showdown on Sunday.

The takeaway

The early-season struggles of the Galaxy and Timbers, two of the more prominent teams in the Western Conference, highlight the competitive nature of MLS and the importance of getting off to a strong start in the league.