ShareLA Galaxy have slipped to back-to-back defeats and Greg Vanney is hoping they can combine the positives to win against the Portland Timbers.Greg Vanney believes the LA Galaxy will prove a real threat as soon as they can put together a complete performance across 90 minutes, which he hopes will happen against the Portland Timbers.After going unbeaten in their first two matches in MLS this season, the Galaxy have since lost the last two against the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City.Vanney's side dominated in the latter, having 16 shots in total worth 2.0 expected goals (xG), but they could not make those chances count.The Galaxy are 10th in the Western Conference, but with the table still tight after the opening four games, Vanney is confident they can change their fortunes soon."There are things where we've got to be better, like finishing some of our chances, but I think the pieces are there, and I think you've seen in performances," Vanney told reporters."We've just got to put the 90 minutes together and finish chances, and we've got to put the 90 minutes together and stay solid on the defensive end."A lot of those bits and pieces have been there, but not all collectively for enough of the games."Portland have also struggled of late, losing each of their last three after opening the season with a 3-2 win over the Columbus Crew.Defender Kamal Miller noted how important a defensive improvement will be against the Galaxy, who have dangerous goal threats in their team."We have to fully accept how dangerous some of their attackers are and really focus on team defending," he said."Instead of just marking your man and saying you've done your job, you've got to do one and a half jobs and be there to help your team-mate and bail him out, as he'll be there for you."I understand that it takes more than one guy most of the time to stop these guys."PLAYERS TO WATCHPortland Timbers – Felipe MoraFelipe Mora has scored eight goals in 12 regular-season matches against the Galaxy, his most against any opponent.Since Mora joined MLS in 2020, only one player, Hany Mukhtar vs. Chicago Fire (nine), has scored more goals against a single opponent.LA Galaxy – Marco ReusMarco Reus recorded his 20th career regular-season goal contribution in his 31st match on Saturday, scoring LA Galaxy's lone goal against Sporting Kansas City.Only Gabriel Pec (27) has more regular-season goal contributions than Reus' 20 since the German made his Galaxy debut in August 2024.MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WINThe 40 all-time meetings between Portland and the Galaxy since the Timbers debuted in MLS in 2011 have been split evenly, with both teams winning 15 times (10 draws).However, Portland have held a slight edge recently, winning two of the last three games (D1).Since MLS returned from the Leagues Cup break last August, Portland has won just three of 18 matches (D5 L10, including playoffs), including losing the last three in a row. The Timbers have not lost four straight matches in MLS play since a five-match losing run in March-April 2019.The Galaxy are winless in 19 straight regular-season away matches (D7 L12) dating back to the last match of the 2024 regular season. There have been just nine road winless streaks of 20 or more regular-season games in MLS history, most recently Toronto FC (21 straight) from 2022-24.OPTA WIN PROBABILITYPortland Timbers – 40.6%Draw – 26.6%LA Galaxy – 32.8%LA Galaxy have slipped to back-to-back defeats and Greg Vanney is hoping they can combine the positives to win against the Portland Timbers.Greg Vanney believes the LA Galaxy will prove a real threat as soon as they can put together a complete performance across 90 minutes, which he hopes will happen against the Portland Timbers.After going unbeaten in their first two matches in MLS this season, the Galaxy have since lost the last two against the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City.Vanney's side dominated in the latter, having 16 shots in total worth 2.0 expected goals (xG), but they could not make those chances count.The Galaxy are 10th in the Western Conference, but with the table still tight after the opening four games, Vanney is confident they can change their fortunes soon."There are things where we've got to be better, like finishing some of our chances, but I think the pieces are there, and I think you've seen in performances," Vanney told reporters."We've just got to put the 90 minutes together and finish chances, and we've got to put the 90 minutes together and stay solid on the defensive end."A lot of those bits and pieces have been there, but not all collectively for enough of the games."Portland have also struggled of late, losing each of their last three after opening the season with a 3-2 win over the Columbus Crew.Defender Kamal Miller noted how important a defensive improvement will be against the Galaxy, who have dangerous goal threats in their team."We have to fully accept how dangerous some of their attackers are and really focus on team defending," he said."Instead of just marking your man and saying you've done your job, you've got to do one and a half jobs and be there to help your team-mate and bail him out, as he'll be there for you."I understand that it takes more than one guy most of the time to stop these guys."PLAYERS TO WATCHPortland Timbers – Felipe MoraFelipe Mora has scored eight goals in 12 regular-season matches against the Galaxy, his most against any opponent.Since Mora joined MLS in 2020, only one player, Hany Mukhtar vs. Chicago Fire (nine), has scored more goals against a single opponent.LA Galaxy – Marco ReusMarco Reus recorded his 20th career regular-season goal contribution in his 31st match on Saturday, scoring LA Galaxy's lone goal against Sporting Kansas City.Only Gabriel Pec (27) has more regular-season goal contributions than Reus' 20 since the German made his Galaxy debut in August 2024.MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WINThe 40 all-time meetings between Portland and the Galaxy since the Timbers debuted in MLS in 2011 have been split evenly, with both teams winning 15 times (10 draws).However, Portland have held a slight edge recently, winning two of the last three games (D1).Since MLS returned from the Leagues Cup break last August, Portland has won just three of 18 matches (D5 L10, including playoffs), including losing the last three in a row. The Timbers have not lost four straight matches in MLS play since a five-match losing run in March-April 2019.The Galaxy are winless in 19 straight regular-season away matches (D7 L12) dating back to the last match of the 2024 regular season. There have been just nine road winless streaks of 20 or more regular-season games in MLS history, most recently Toronto FC (21 straight) from 2022-24.OPTA WIN PROBABILITYPortland Timbers – 40.6%Draw – 26.6%LA Galaxy – 32.8%