Draw with LA Galaxy ends Portland Timbers' six-game winning streak

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:30 am

Diego Valeri delivered a second-half equalizer, and the Portland Timbers salvaged a 1-1 draw with the visiting LA Galaxy on Saturday at Providence Park.

The draw ends the Timbers' six-game winning streak, among the longest in MLS history.

Chris Pontius scored for the Galaxy, who played with star Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench for the majority of the match.

Ibrahimovic played 90 minutes in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to FC Dallas. He entered Saturday's game in the 71st minute with the score tied 1-1 but was unable to make an impact in his time on the pitch.

"It was decision that we felt we had to make," Schmid said after the game, adding that the artificial turf contributed to his decision. "We didn't want [Ibrahimovic] to play a lot of minutes on it, so basically that's the way we went."

Andres Flores created the penalty kick for the Timbers with a strong run into the Galaxy box. He was brought down by the shoulder of LA defender Jorgen Skjelvic. Valeri capitalized on the penalty, getting Bingham diving to his left and finishing up high in the opposite corner in the 57th minute.

Romain Alessandrini sweeps past Andres Flores.
Romain Alessandrini sweeps past Andres Flores.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

In the 20th minute, Pontius managed to gather a pass from Emmanuel Boateng in traffic at the top of the box and get off a left-footed blast on a bouncing ball that snuck past a diving attempt from

Portland keeper Jeff Attinella and inside the far post. It was Pointus' second goal of the season.

Portland had a bevy of quality chances, including a one-on-one opportunity inside the box for Diego Chara midway through the first half. Chara tried to go near post but was stoned by Portland keeper David Bingham, one of his six first-half saves. Bingham finished with nine saves.

Chara picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 61st minute and will miss Wednesday's game against San Jose due to yellow card accumulation.

The Galaxy will take the pitch again on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup against amateur club Golden State Force. They return to MLS play on June 9 against Real Salt Lake.