Los Angeles-Portland preview (The Associated Press)

Two Western Conference contenders in good form collide Saturday afternoon, when the Portland Timbers host the Los Angeles Galaxy for a nationally televised showdown at always-raucous Providence Park. The Timbers (7-6-8) are riding a nine-game MLS unbeaten streak and have won four of five at home, but will be without playmaker Darren Mattocks on Saturday due to a hamstring injury. Los Angeles (8-3-8) has won its last three MLS games and five matches overall, including a 4-2 win over the Seattle Sounders in U.S. Open Cup play on Wednesday.