Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Days after a disappointing loss to their biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Galaxy will return to Dignity Health Sports Park to face Minnesota United on Sunday.
Earlier this week, the Galaxy dropped to third place in the MLS Western Conference after a 2-1 defeat against Los Angeles FC, while the Loons were beaten 3-1 by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Los Angeles Galaxy
Thursday’s match at the Rose Bowl delivered an electric atmosphere, offering everything except the desired outcome for Galaxy supporters.
Before the game, Greg Vanney’s side were level with LAFC on 40 points and had a chance to claim the top spot in the Western Conference. Instead, they now find themselves trailing both LAFC and Real Salt Lake, with both teams having a game in hand on the Galaxy.
On Sunday, LA will return to Dignity Health Sports Park for the first time since June 19, where they have won four consecutive league matches.
The Galaxy are undefeated at this venue in 2024 and have conceded first in only two regular-season matches played in Carson, still managing to collect four points in those games.
With 11 domestic wins this season, they have three more than they achieved in 2023, and they have also accumulated 40 points, four more than last year.
Team News
Jonathan Perez missed the Galaxy’s recent match due to a hamstring injury, and Gaston Brugman was sidelined with knee discomfort.
Against LAFC, Greg Vanney made a single change to his starting lineup, positioning Riqui Puig in the attacking midfield role instead of Diego Fagundez.
Gabriel Pec scored the lone goal for the Galaxy on Thursday, marking his seventh goal of the season, which puts him second on the team, ahead of both Joseph Paintsil and Puig.
Minnesota United
It’s a new month, but for Minnesota United, the same recurring issues from June were evident this week.
The Loons have suffered five consecutive defeats in MLS, marking their longest losing streak since joining the league in 2017.
As a result, Eric Ramsay’s team is now just two points above the Western Conference play-off line, sitting in eighth place with eight domestic victories in 2024.
Despite the setbacks, the standings remain tight, and a win this weekend could significantly improve their position, with only two points separating them from the Vancouver Whitecaps in fifth.
It’s not just the losses that are frustrating for Loons supporters, but also their disorganized defensive structure, which has led to 12 goals conceded over the past three games.
However, Minnesota have performed well against the Galaxy in recent encounters, earning at least a point in six of their last seven matchups in this competition.
Team News
Minnesota United’s upcoming match against the LA Galaxy may see them without several key players due to injuries and international duties. Clint Irwin is doubtful with a groin injury, Wil Trapp has a sore hamstring, Teemu Pukki is dealing with a leg injury, and Hugo Bacharach is sidelined with a knee issue.
Meanwhile, Dayne St. Clair and Tani Oluwaseyi are with the Canadian national team, facing Venezuela in the Copa America quarterfinals on Friday. Carlos Harvey is with Panama, set to play against Colombia on Saturday.
Conclusion
Given Minnesota United’s recent defensive struggles and the likelihood of being down to their third-string goalkeeper, the LA Galaxy have a significant opportunity to exploit these weaknesses and secure a positive result on Sunday.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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