Lineup Notes:
- Guillermo Barros Schelotto makes one change to the starting XI for Wednesday’s contest in Portland as talented youngster Efrain Alvarez gets the start in place of Rolf Feltscher as another talented youngster – Julian Araujo – slides into the right back previously occupied by Feltscher.
- In net, David Bingham continues to start for the Galaxy after helping lead the club to two straight wins. He will make the 169th start of his MLS career Saturday.
- On the right side of the defense, Julian Araujo slides back into his natural position after posting two of his best performances as a professional during the previous two games vs. LAFC and SJ.
- Starting in the center of defense is the youngster Nick DePuy, who has continued to put in top quality performances in defense during his first year with the senior Galaxy squad. The 2019 Los Dos Defender of the Year makes his sixth start of the year.
- Alongside DePuy is Daniel Steres, one of the longest-tenured LA Galaxy Players. Wednesday marks a special occasion for Dan, who makes his 100th start as a member of the LA Galaxy. Steres, a local boy, has risen through the ranks of LA Galaxy II and become one of the most steady contributors to the club since 2016.
- On the left is the former Liverpool and Bundesliga standout Emiliano Insua. The Argentine joined the club this offseason and has started every match at left back thus far.
- In the midfield, Perry Kitchen again sits in front of the backline and look to break up SJ’s attack. Kitchen boasts extensive MLS experience, with 194 previous starts. He has started both previous games since returning to LA.
- Alongside Kitchen in the center of the pitch is Joe Corona, who continues to be an important piece in the midfield balance for LA. He has started the previous two since returning to LA.
- Entering the midfield is the immensely talented Efrain Alvarez, who sparked the Galaxy’s comeback in a 3-2 over SJ last weekend as a second-half substitute. Wednesday is his first start of the season and the fifth of his career.
- Rounding out the midfield is Sebastian Lletget, who is on fire with two goals and an assist in his last two games. He will make his 98th appearance in an LA Galaxy jersey Wednesday vs. the Timbers.
- On the left side of the attack is the Galaxy’s most dangerous weapon: Argentine World Cup standout Cristian Pavon.
- Major League Zubak. Up top is Ethan Zubak, making his fourth-straight start for the club. Zubak does the dirty work and shows relentless hustle. His game-winner vs. LAFC was the fist of his career to kick off the restart of MLS.
Game notes:
- All time, the LA Galaxy are 9-8-6 vs. Portland.
- LA have scored in their previous seven road games.
- The LA Galaxy remain undefeated all time in matches following an MLS is Back Tournament played during a pandemic.
- Wednesday marks the first time that the LA Galaxy will face a reigning MLS is Back Tournament champion that was crowned during a pandemic.
Storylines:
- Three in a row?
- How will Efrain Alvarez in the Starting XI affect the match?
- Can the Galaxy backline continue to improve, this time against Portland’s attack?
- How many minutes will we see from Jonathan dos Santos?
- How will Julian Araujo fare at his natural right back position?
Quick hits:
- Match preview: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/09/01/match-preview-portland-timbers-vs-la-galaxy-sept-2-2020
- Relive the win vs. SJ: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/08/31/match-minute-la-galaxy-defeat-san-jose-earthquakes-cali-clasico-comeback?autoplay=true
- GALAXY EQUIPMENT SALE: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/09/01/la-galaxy-hold-annual-equipment-sale-benefiting-la-galaxy-foundation-sept-13
- Check out the story behind Academy product Cameron Dunbar’s path to the first team: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/08/17/watch-life-and-future-la-galaxy-academy-product-cameron-dunbar?autoplay=true
"I Think We're Alone Now" Lyrics – Tiffany (originally by Tommy James & The Shondells)
Children behave
That's what they say when we're together
And watch how you play
They don't understand
And so we're running just as fast as we can
Holdin' on to one another's hand
Tryin' to get away into the night
And then you put your arms around me
And we tumble to the ground
And then you say
I think we're alone now
There doesn't seem to be anyone around
I think we're alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
Look at the way
We gotta hide what we're doin'
'Cause what would they say
If they ever knew?
And so we're running just as fast as we can
Holdin' on to one another's hand
Tryin' to get away into the night
And then you put your arms around me
And we tumble to the ground
And then you say
I think we're alone now (alone now)
There doesn't seem to be anyone around
I think we're alone now (alone now)
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
I think we're alone now (alone now)
There doesn't seem to be anyone around
I think we're alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
Running just as fast as we can
Holdin' on to one another's hand
Tryin' to get away into the night
And then you put your arms around me
And we tumble to the ground
And then you say
I think we're alone now
There doesn't seem to be anyone around
I think we're alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
I think we're alone now
There doesn't seem to be anyone around
I think we're alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
I think we're alone now (alone now)
There doesn't seem to be anyone around
I think we're alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
I think we're alone now (alone now)
There doesn't seem to be anyone around
I think we're alone now (alone now)
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
I think we're alone now (alone now)
