MLS: Chicharito brace propels LA Galaxy in Portland

Los Angeles Galaxy moved to third place in the Western Conference in the MLS, claiming a 3-1 win away to Portland Timbers.

In the sole MLS game of the day, Javier Hernandez’s brace proved the difference against the 2021 MLS Cup runners-up, with his goal in the ninth minute particularly setting the tone.

The 33-year-old Mexican international showed all his cunning in the penalty area to evade Dario Zuparic and get on the end of Samuel Grandsir’s cross at the back post.

Bill Tuiloma’s own goal in the 16th was compounded by Pablo Bonilla’s red card with the interval approaching, despite Tuiloma scoring on the other end for Portland six minutes from the restart.

Raheem Edwards set Chicharito up for his second in the 59th minute to give the Galaxy breathing room, and eventually their third win out of five games for the season.

Portland move to one win from six games, two spots from the bottom in the West on six points.

Chicharito with the early opener for @LAGalaxy.

1-0 inside the opening 10′ for the visitors. pic.twitter.com/lGeScoCUOH

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 3, 2022