The Portland Timbers and LA Galaxy are set to clash at Providence Park on Sunday, March 16, 2025, as both teams look for their first victory of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The match, which kicks off at 4:45 PM EDT, marks the 39th meeting between these two franchises, with LA currently leading the all-time series at 15 wins to Portland's 14.
The Galaxy, who are the defending MLS Cup champions, have had a rocky start to their title defense, losing all three of their matches so far, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with zero points. Their recent performance included a disappointing 3-0 defeat against St. Louis, where they dominated possession at 71% yet failed to convert any of their 23 shots on goal.
On the other hand, the Timbers are sitting 12th on the table with three points, having won one game and lost two, leading to a goal differential of -4. Their lone victory came against Austin FC, which they edged past with a narrow 1-0 scoreline. Last weekend, Portland suffered a loss against Nashville SC, ending with a scoreline of 2-0. Notably, Nashville launched 24 total shots, illustrating their intent to dominate the contest.
This match is not just another game; for the Galaxy, it’s about reversing their fortunes early in the season. Head coach Greg Vanney will be guiding his side after their rejuvenation from midweek, where they triumphed over C.S. Herediano with a 4-1 scoreline, marking their advancement to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Galaxy’s performance against Herediano highlighted both the potential and the pressing need for improvement under heady competitive circumstances.
Traditionally, games between the Galaxy and Timbers have been competitive, with the last encounter on September 18, 2024, resulting in LA’s defeat by 4-2 at Providence Park. Collectively, the Galaxy holds a 4-8-4 record when playing against Portland on their home turf. Remarkably, LA Galaxy has maintained consistency against Portland, holding a 4-1-3 record over their last eight regular-season matchups since July 30, 2021.
This match sees both teams managing injury concerns. The Galaxy will miss key players including Miki Yamane, Lucas Sanabria, Riqui Puig, among others. This absence puts pressure on younger players like Harbor Miller, who at only 17 years old, has already made significant strides with the team, becoming the youngest player to register a contribution during the Concacaf Champions Cup. LA can count on the talents of players like Gabriel Pec and Diego Fagundez, who have shown promise as consistent contributors to the score sheet.
Conversely, the Timbers are also grappling with their share of injuries. Santiago Moreno’s return is uncertain as he may not be ready for starting duties, and both Jonathan Rodriguez and Juan David Mosquera remain out. Goalkeeper James Pantemis, who has garnered attention following his impressive double penalty saves against Nashville, is another player to keep on the radar. He is enhancing Portland's hopes this season by consistently performing under pressure.
The stakes are high for both teams, with LA seeking their first three points of the season, and Portland aiming to improve upon their solitary win and also avoid sinking too low on the table. Matchday will see Timbers don their green and gold kits, with local fans rallying behind the home team, hoping for home-field advantage against their rivals.
To watch the game, fans can tune in on major networks such as FOX and FOX Deportes, or stream it live on services including Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, and Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass. Whether at home or at the stadium, anticipation is palpable as kickoff approaches, offering both teams the chance to turn disappointment to triumph and claim their first victory of the season.