Portland Timbers 1, LA Galaxy 2 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Behind early goals from Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes, the LA Galaxy beat the Portland Timbers, 2-1, at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon on Saturday afternoon.

The Timbers pulled a goal back on Zarek Valentin's grass-cutter late in the first half, but also lost center back Nat Borchers to an apparent non-contact injury soon after; the 12th-year MLS veteran attempted to walk off the field, then stopped as teammates signaled for him to be carried off. An update by ESPN's Katie Witham during the broadcast indicated a left ankle injury.

Box Score

• 7' - LA - Robbie Keane (Giovani dos Santos, Jeff Larentowicz)
• 11' - LA - Gyasi Zardes (Emmanuel Boateng, Jelle Van Damme)
• 41' - POR - Zarek Valentin (Darlington Nagbe)
• Full box score
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Three Things

LA EFFICIENCY: The Galaxy entered Week 20 in the top five for goals scored, and bottom five for shots taken, a staggering efficiency they managed to maintain on the road. They converted their first chacne in this one – a beautiful 1-2 from Giovani dos Santos to Robbie Keane – and kept their foot on the pedal until Gyasi Zardes goal gave them a comfortable cushion to sit back upon for the duration.

JVD-to-O: 
Sure, he's known for his defense, but Jelle Van Damme showed some pretty spectacular passing chops in this one, with the second assist on Zardes' game-deciding strike and THIS:

BORCHERS GOES DOWN: With Liam Ridgewell already out due to a calf strain, central back Nat Borchers suffered a leg injury in first-half stoppage time (45'+1'), taking a small skip after an aerial challenge and going down in clear pain. Known for his toughness and willingness to play through a knock, Borchers manged to get to his feet and attempted a few stiff steps before going back to the ground. Amobi Okugo subbed on, and if Borchers misses any extended time, the Timbers – already missing Ridgy – will need Okugo to step in quickly despite having played a lone minute before Saturday since joining the squad in May.

Next Up

• POR: Sunday, July 31 at Sporting Kansas City (2 pm ET; FOX, MLS LIVE in Canada)
• LA: Sunday, July 31 at Seattle Sounders FC (4 pm ET; ESPN, MLS LIVE in Canada)