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Minnesota United: 3 things to watch for in the Galaxy match

By Tyler Hanson

May 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez (21) celebrates his goal in the first half against the Sporting Kansas City at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez (21) celebrates his goal in the first half against the Sporting Kansas City at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini (center) and forward Giovani dos Santos (right) after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium.Orlando won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini (center) and forward Giovani dos Santos (right) after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium.Orlando won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota United will play host to the LA Galaxy on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium. With both clubs near the bottom of the table, 3 points are crucial.

Here are 3 things to watch for when Minnesota United take on LA Galaxy on Sunday in Minneapolis.

Containing Romain Alessandrini

Containing the Frenchman will be key if Minnesota hopes to get 3 points. The former Marseille man is off to a scorching start in MLS, with 6 goals in his first 10 appearances.

Alessandrini has been playing as a right-winger for the Galaxy, which means that MLS veteran Marc Burch will be tasked with defending him. Burch has the ability to defend Alessandrini, but it will be no easy task. Expect Francisco Calvo to slide over a bit at times to give Burch some help, but he probably won’t be able to do it very often, as Giovanni Dos Santos, though he is struggling this season, could also trouble Minnesota’s back line if given space.

How conservative should Minnesota be?

Though LA’s attack looks formidable on paper, they (with the exception of Alessandrini) have really struggled to start the season, and it would be foolish of the Loons to sit back against the Galaxy.

The Galaxy’s central midfield has often been overrun this season, as a pairing of Joao Pedro and Baggio Husidic has been very average. The defense has also had its problems, as Bradley Diallo and Daniel Steres have both been shaky at times.

This is a prime opportunity for 3 points in front of the home crowd, and Minnesota should push forward and attack the Galaxy defense, as points haven’t exactly come easily for either club this season, and this is a good opportunity for Minnesota to earn some.

Next: Minnesota United: 3 key takeaways from the Toronto match

Molino back in form?

After opposing defenses focused on Kevin Molino and made him a non-factor for several matches, Molino scored a brace against Toronto FC, and will certainly hope to continue that form against the Galaxy.

Adrian Heath will certainly be hoping that the Trinidadian international can carry this form through to the Gold Cup, when Minnesota will be without several key players who will be playing in the tournament. If Molino can keep performing, Minnesota will be even tougher to beat, as the defense has finally come together and done well recently.

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