CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy delivered a timely, professional performance Wednesday night, shutting out the Portland Timbers 2-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park to strengthen their Western Conference playoff position.
Marco Reus opened the scoring in the 17th minute and later set up Justin Haak’s clinching header in the 80th minute as the Galaxy improved to 10-11-9 (39 points) and moved into eighth place in the West.
The victory erased the sting of Sunday’s heavy road loss and gave the Galaxy a six-point cushion over the cluster of teams sitting on 33 points, including Portland (9-14-6), Real Salt Lake, and San Diego FC.
Reus finished a well-worked move for the breakthrough. Pablo Ruiz played a ball into space for Robert Taylor, who cut a cross back into the six-yard box. The German veteran applied the first-time finish for his eighth goal of the season.
The Galaxy controlled the first half and took the 1-0 lead into the break. Portland pushed for an equalizer after the restart and outshot the hosts overall, but JT Marcinkowski stood firm with five saves to secure his fourth clean sheet of the campaign.
The second goal arrived from a set piece. Reus delivered a free-kick cross into the box, and Haak rose to head it home for his second goal of the season. Reus’ assist was his career-high 11th of the year.
Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney praised the balance of the performance and the shutout after a difficult stretch.
The Galaxy now turn their attention to another critical home fixture. They host Southern California rivals San Diego FC on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park (7:30 p.m. PT, Apple TV). The matchup carries major playoff implications as both clubs battle for positioning in the crowded Western Conference.
With three points secured and a clean sheet in the bank, the Galaxy will look to build on Wednesday’s result and create further separation in the race for the postseason.
Article and photos by Bruno De Witt Zanotto
