Trouble is there’s a certain degree of desperation all around.

Let’s face it, if the Galaxy can’t beat lowly and (oh, yes) desperate Portland Timbers (just ahead of them in the Western Conference standings and coming off a shock home loss to Chivas USA), the struggling Galaxy may be coming close to writing off the defense of their MLS Cup early in 2012.

Never mind that the Galaxy are apparently just as desperate and still face a personnel problem at center back (just who is ready to play anyway?) despite acquiring David “short-term solution” Junior Lopes from Chivas USA earlier in the week.

However, the Galaxy will face an opponent sensing that there is no better opportunity than now to beat the reigning MLS champion in a moment of weakness:

The game is live at 7:30 p.m. from Home Depot Center on KDOC and KWHY.

Chivas USA are facing a similarly (oh, yes) desperate opponent in winless Toronto FC (live at 1:30 p.m. on FSN and KWHY), but have an opportunity to equal the club’s longest-ever win streak (don’t get too excited, it’s only three games) if they can prove (and fans will hope they desperately want to) that the result over Portland was no fluke and can continue scoring goals.

Not surprisingly, Chivas USA winger Ryan Smith (who came on at halftime and changed the face of the game with two assists) wants Chivas USA to pick up where they left off: