The Portland Timbers aim to end a five-match winless streak when they face off against Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC on Saturday afternoon.
The key question for the Timbers (1-4-1, 4 points) isn’t just about winning; it’s whether they can score a goal.
LAFC (5-0-1, 16 points), featuring former French national team and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, has recorded an MLS record by keeping six consecutive clean sheets to start the season.
Lloris, who was part of the French team that won the 2018 World Cup, has made 22 saves in these matches, including six during last week’s 6-0 win over Orlando City.
Los Angeles coach Marc Dos Santos emphasized the team’s approach, saying, “We don’t go into games thinking about, ‘Oh, we have to keep a clean sheet.’ We focus on what we need to do collectively.”
LAFC also ranks second in MLS for goals scored with 14. Forward Denis Bouanga leads the team with four goals, including a hat trick achieved in just 28 minutes against Orlando. Meanwhile, Son Heung-Min tops the league with seven assists.
The only hiccup in LAFC’s performance this season was a 0-0 draw at Austin FC on March 21.
Portland struggled recently, going 0-4-1 since their season-opening 3-2 victory against the Columbus Crew on February 21. They have the Western Conference’s worst defense, allowing 15 goals while scoring nine.
The Timbers are coming off a 3-2 loss to MLS Cup runner-up Vancouver last Saturday, giving up two goals in second-half stoppage time.
Portland coach Phil Neville acknowledges the tough challenge ahead. “They’re a team that hasn’t conceded any goals this season and don’t give away many chances,” he said. “We’ll need to be exceptional in our attacking play and control.”