Sabasports Match Preview
Major League Soccer: Minnesota United vs LA Galaxy
Kickoff Time: 2025-03-23 04:30(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Peter Aiken
Minnesota United has been performing stably in the new season, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches. During the transfer window, the team upgraded its roster by signing Kevin Yeboah, a striker from Genoa, who has already scored two goals and adapted to the rhythm of MLS. Additionally, they brought in Hoyeon Jung, the Best Newcomer in K League in 2023 and a midfielder who won gold with South Korea’s U23 team at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Jung is known for his high football IQ and strong running ability, and is expected to become the future midfield conductor of the team. Under coach Eric Ramsay’s tactical system, Minnesota United’s tactical characteristics lie in defensive stability and quick counterattacks. The team’s defensive strategy focuses on a five-defender system, compressing the distance between the lines to restrict opponents’ penetration space, ensuring a solid defense. During games, the team actively gives up most possession, retreats quickly to half-field and efficiently clears and blocks to reduce opponents’ shooting opportunities. For example, in the previous league match, they recorded defensive statistics such as 41 clearances, 11 effective interceptions, and 15 successful tackles.
LA Galaxy won the MLS Championship last season but have struggled this season, currently with one draw and three losses, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. This is largely due to the departure of key players. During the transfer window, key forwards Dejan Joveljic, main midfielders Mark Delgado, central midfielders Gaston Brugman, center-back Jalen Neal, and Martin Caceres left the team, effectively replacing the entire midfield line. Among them, Joveljic’s departure had the greatest impact; he scored 21 league goals last season, tying for second place on the MLS top scorer list. In addition, injuries have affected the team’s lineup. Riqui Puig, last season’s midfielder with 17 goals and 12 assists, Joseph Paintsil, the winger with 14 goals and eight assists, and former Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus, all remain on the injury list, significantly weakening the team’s overall strength. So far this season, LA Galaxy has only scored two goals, making them the team with the weakest attack in the West.
The two teams met in last year’s playoff quarterfinals, where LA Galaxy eliminated Minnesota United with an exaggerated score of 6-2. However, under the influence of transfers and injuries, LA Galaxy’s strength has decreased significantly and is no longer the superpower it was last season. In this matchup, Minnesota United is expected to leverage their home advantage to defeat their opponent.
Minnesota United’s Last 5 Games: DWWLL
25-03-16 Sporting Kansas City 3-3 Minnesota United
25-03-09 San Jose Earthquakes 0-1 Minnesota United
25-03-02 Minnesota United 1-0 CF Montreal
25-02-23 Los Angeles FC 1-0 Minnesota United
24-11-25 LA Galaxy 6-2 Minnesota United
LA Galaxy’s Last 5 Games: DWLLL
25-03-17 Portland Timbers 1-1 LA Galaxy
25-03-13 LA Galaxy 4-1 Club Sport Herediano
25-03-10 LA Galaxy 0-3 St. Louis City
25-03-06 Club Sport Herediano 1-0 LA Galaxy
25-03-03 Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 LA Galaxy
Head To Head Record:
24-11-25 LA Galaxy 6-2 Minnesota United
24-07-08 LA Galaxy 2-1 Minnesota United
24-05-16 Minnesota United 2-2 LA Galaxy
23-10-08 Minnesota United 5-2 LA Galaxy
23-09-21 LA Galaxy 4-3 Minnesota United
Prediction: Minnesota United to win