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How bad is the LA Galaxy's start this year? It's historically bad. With only three points through four matches, MLS' second most successful club (after DC United) have equaled their second lowest point total through four matches in club history. Only the 1999 team which started 2-2 (both shootout wins, meaning those wins were only worth two points) had fewer. Of course, the 1999 Galaxy went on to play in the MLS Cup, where they lost 0-2 to that DC United club which seemed invincible in early MLS.
While there is a whole generation of Galaxy fans who have never known a start this slow, losing back to back matches is something Galaxy fans haven't seen in over a year. Not since August 21-28 have the Galaxy lost two matches in a row. They haven't lost three matches in a row in the Bruce Arena era.
The Portland Timbers, the Galaxy opponent this week, are also in a historically bad stretch. In just their second year of existence, they have matched their club record with three straight loses. This after scoring the first goal of the match for the first time this year in a 1-2 loss to Chivas USA.
"We looked very nervous at times," said coach John Spencer. "I don't know why. We played like an expansion team – very nervous in front of a big crowd."
Last year in Portland's inaugural season, the two clubs split the season series. The Galaxy won 3-0 on April 23rd at The Home Depot Center, while Portland then won 3-0 August 3rd at Jeld-Wen Field.