8pm, Home Depot Center, Fox Soccer Channel
The Galaxy have played three matches since their last home match, and over that span the team was whittled down to a star-less Galaxy. Now the Los Angeles Galaxy are back home at Home Depot Center playing host to the Portland Timbers for the first time in franchise history. Much has been made of the Portland Timbers home atmosphere, with loud fans and a drum major with a chainsaw, but the Timbers have yet to record a road win in their brief history. However, Portland does come into the Center on the strength of a two game win streak.
Landon Donovan is still listed as questionable for tonight's match with knee inflammation, and will likely be a last minute decision. Beckham, having served his yellow card suspension, gets to go back to his free tackling and argumentative ways. If Landon Donovan is declared fit for tonight's match, it will be the first time in two years that he has faced United States National Teammate Kenny Cooper in MLS play. Portland picked up Cooper earlier this year when he decided to return from 1860 Munich.
The teams play two completely different styles. In seven matches the Galaxy have scored seven and given up seven, averaging a 1-1 draw per match. This is all the more remarkable considering the 4-1 drubbing the Galaxy suffered in Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, in just five matches, Portland has given up 10 goals. With the Galaxy scoring two goals just once this season, it'll be interesting to see if Portland encourages a more open style from the Galaxy. Also to look out for is just where Bruce Arena puts David Beckham. Putting him in the middle leads to a more offensive minded form than some of his alternatives.