LA Galaxy 3-1 Portland Timbers: Player ratings as Chicharito scores two and Diego Chara makes MLS history
LA Galaxy defeated the Portland Timbers 3-1 on Sunday at Providence Park in a game that saw an own goal, two red cards and Diego Chara make Major League Soccer history.
It was an action packed afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.
Chicharito kicked off the scoring in the first half, tapping the ball into the bottom right corner off of a cross by Samuel Grandsir. The Galaxy continued to dominate, quickly doubling the score as a shot by Grandsir bounced off of Timbers defender Bill Tuiloma for the own goal.
Seconds before the halftime whistle, Pablo Bonilla committed a reckless foul that earned him a straight red card for violent conduct to leave the Timbers down to 10 men. After adapting to a new formation and forcing a new style of play, Bill Tuiloma earned a free kick before burying the shot into the top right corner to decrease the deficit.
But the Galaxy proved too much as a left footed shot from Chicharito into the bottom right corner cemented the 3-1 victory.
The last 30 minutes saw the match take an aggressive turn as players began turning frustrations into fouls. Marco Delgado was shown a second yellow for a bad tackle, forcing him out to level the 10-men playing field. Diego Chara also managed to match Kyle Beckerman with most fouls ever committed in MLS by a player at 756.
The Galaxy will now shift their focus to next week’s daunting El Trafico, while the Timbers await the Vancouver Whitecaps.
LA Galaxy player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Jonathan Bond (GK) - 7.5/10 - Great save in the first half but not tested constantly. Not at fault for the free kick goal.
Kelvin Leerdam (RB) - 7/10 - Weakest at the back but still gave a good performance, which says more about LA Galaxy's level than Leerdam.
Derrick Williams (CB) - 8/10 - Sharp. Easy to depend on when coverage needed, intercepted three key plays by the Timbers.
Nick DePuy (CB) - 8/10 - Great on the right, recording six clearances and two shots blocked.
Raheem Edwards (LB) - 8/10 - Strong at the back, also managed to push forward enough to get the assist on Chicharito's second goal.
2. Midfielders
Samuel Grandsir (RW) - 8/10 - Involved throughout the match on LA Galaxy's offensive efforts, and managed a great run on the left before perfectly timing the pass that led to Chicharito's first goal. Also involved in the second goal.
Marco Delgado (CM) - 6/10 - Decent involvement before risky fouls and aggressive efforts forced a red for accumulated yellow cards.
Efrain Alvarez (CAM) - 7.5/10 - A player that will put in the work, really good on the quick touches during moments that impact a game. Formed part of the first goal.
Rayan Raveloson (CM) - 6.5/10 - Steady in the midfield, but easy to blend into the pitch in a loud match.
Kévin Cabral (LW) - 6.5/10 - Made a decent amount of runs towards the box, but missed the easy tap in.
3. Forwards
Chicharito (F) - 9/10 - two goals.
4. Substitutes
Julian Araujo (for Grandsir, '66) - 6.5/10 - Almost cost Galaxy a penalty.
Victor Vazquez (for Cabral, '46) - 6.5/10 - One attempt at goal, but otherwise couldn't get into the pace of the match.
Daniel Aguirre (for Chicharito, '86) - N/A - Not given enough time, but made his debut for the senior team.
Dejan Joveljić (for Alvarez, '86) - N/A -
Portland Timbers player ratings
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Aljaž Ivačič (GK) - 6/10 - Tried with two saves, but appeared overwhelmed by Galaxy's attack.
Pablo Bonilla (RB) - 4/10 - reckless red card that forced his side to 10 men.
Dario Župarić (CB) - 6.5/10 - Did not perform up to par in a game where he was desperately needed, left too much space uncovered for Galaxy to take advantage.
Bill Tuiloma (CB) - 7/10 - Forced the own goal in the first half due to bad defending and awkward placement, but somewhat redeemed himself with the free kick goal.
Claudio Bravo (LB) - 6.5/10 - Active defending and strong when tested, but cannot do it alone.
6. Midfielders
Yimmi Chara (RW) - 6.5/10 - Failed to be as sharp as he could be, but at least remained active on the attack throughout the match.
Cristhian Paredes (CM) - 6.5/10 - Managed the best attempt of the first half for the Timbers before falling behind.
Sebastian Blanco (CAM) - 7.5/10 - Understandably not at his best after recovering from injury, but a fine performance for his first start of the season.
Diego Chará (CM) - 6.5/10 - Made MLS history with most fouls ever committed, tied with Kyle Beckerman at 756. Otherwise, active throughout but missing edge on the attack.
Santiago Moreno (LW) - 6.5/10 - One shot on target, should have been more involved as this game called for his contributions.
7. Forwards
Jarosław Niezgoda (F) - 6.5/10 - Not strong enough on the attack to be used as a lone striker. Must be more lethal to make an impact in matches like these.
8. Substitutes
Eryk Williamson (for Blanco, '73) - 6.5/10 - Did not impact the match.
Dairon Asprilla (for Niezgoda, '68) - 6.5/10 - Did not impact the match.
Justin Rasmussen (for Moreno, '46) - 7/10 - More defensive if anything, did his job.
Marvin Loría (for Paredes, '82) - N/A -