Everything was going so well when LAFC first returned from World Cup break. The team were flying, goals were coming fast, and the wins were being stacked. But as the heat turned up in Los Angeles as the summer went on, the form dipped and the goals dried up quicker than a wet sponge left outside all day. After a stretch of draws, the team has suffered back-to-back-defeats, both shutouts. Tonight they will be looking to snap the summer slump and get back on track, but it wont be easy as they take on the always physical, always tough, Portland Timbers.
Matchday: #LAFCvPOR
⏰ 7:30 PM PST
🖥️ @AppleTV
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles & K-Radio 1230
🇰🇷 Spotv & Coupang Play⚽ Stay after the final whistle: Our LAFC Unified Team faces Portland Timbers Unified on the pitch! pic.twitter.com/HlxysXLkuU
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 22, 2026
Portland Timbers have lost just one match in MLS action since their return from summer break. The only other loss they suffered was during Leagues Cup, but they have been one of the hottest teams in the league since the return to play. Not only are they getting results, but they are scoring in bunches. In their last five MLS matches they have drawn one, lost one, and won three, scoring a combined 10 goals in that span while conceding seven. Forwards Kevin Kelsy and Kristoffer Velde are the two biggest threats for Timbers, but this is a side that can get a goal from just about anyone on the pitch. They come into this match sitting in the last playoff spot, meaning they will absolutely be peak Portland this match as they look to get themselves further on the right side of the postseason bubble.
August has been rough for the black & gold, with just one win that came in the final moments of a Leagues Cup match, having not seen victory in MLS action since July. It’s been draws and lately, two losses as they limp into the final stretch of the regular season. More than just the results, it’s been the performances. Goals have dried up, shots are harder to come by, creativity seems to be lacking, midfield possession is harder to maintain, and as good as the defense has been this year, they haven’t been able to hold a clean sheet all month, outside of that one last-minute win. As bad as it’s been lately, they still sit in third place in the Western Conference, just a couple of good results away from the top. Winning aside, the real immediate goal for the team has to be regaining form and confidence. Tonight will be physical, Portland will look to make it an ugly grind, but it’s imperative LAFC white-knuckle it and lock in. As Los Angeles readers will know, the city is currently under a brutal heatwave, thankfully the match kicks off in the evening, but it will still be a warmer night than usual, which means this match will be just as much a mental battle as it will be physical.
How To Watch
LAFC return home to take on Portland Timbers, in what is always a very physical, very testy, matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm PST from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The match will be broadcast live and can be watched on AppleTV. The match will also be streamed on Coupang Play (Korea)as well as SpoTV (Korea). The match will also be available on radio broadcast on 710 AM Los Angeles, 980 AM La Mera Mera for Spanish broadcasting, and KYPA 1230 AM for Korean broadcasting.
Thoughts ahead of this match? Let us know in the comments below!