LA Galaxy x portland timbers
The LA Galaxy won 4-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Friday evening, thanks to a superb offensive display. Rayan Raveloson, a midfielder for the hosts, scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the 27th minute to give them the lead. The Malagasy international saw the ball after a deflection from a Galaxy corner kick and went for broke, scoring a stunning goal.
The ambitions didn't end there. The Timbers equalized 90 seconds after the Galaxy took the lead, thanks to attacker Jeremy Ebobisse. The ball was sent to the American in the area, and after some neat dribbling, he cut back onto his left foot and placed the ball into the bottom left corner.
In the 34th minute, the Galaxy pressed forward once more and doubled their advantage. Julian Araujo, passed the ball from the end line to Victor Vazquez, who nodded home to put his team up 2-1.
Early in the second half, things got much worse for the Timbers when goalie Steve Clark knocked out Galaxy striker Kevin Cabral in the area, with referee Robert Sibiga pointing to the spot. In the 53rd minute, Galaxy midfielder Sacha Kljestan stepped up and calmly scored the penalty kick, scoring the home team's third goal.
The Galaxy weren't finished, either, as winger Samuel Grandsir scored his first MLS goal off a cross from Araujo. The youthful fullback added his second assist of the game as the Frenchman headed home.
The Galaxy won by a landslide, claiming three points for the first time in their last four games. It was a crucial offensive performance, demonstrating that they can score goals even without main scorer Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who is currently recovering from a calf injury. It's another setback for the Timbers on the road.
[Photography by ICONIC photographer Jenny Chuang]