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Minnesota United vs LA Galaxy: Preview and How To Watch

By Eric Harris

May 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Tosaint Ricketts (87) shoots on goal past Minnesota United defender Francisco Calvo (5) in the second half at BMO Field. Ricketts scored the winner in a 3-2 win. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Tosaint Ricketts (87) shoots on goal past Minnesota United defender Francisco Calvo (5) in the second half at BMO Field. Ricketts scored the winner in a 3-2 win. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Two teams looking to jump over the red line in the Western Conference face off in Minnesota.

Both LA and Minnesota had very forgettable starts to the season, in Minnesota’s case it was historically bad. Now things have turned around for both teams and the winner of this match could find themselves in the top six of the Western Conference at the end of the day.

After hitting a low point in their 3-0 loss at home to Seattle, the Galaxy have gone unbeaten in their last three. They raised some eyebrows with their 3-1 win on the road over the New York Red Bulls.

Minnesota lost their last time out to Toronto, but put up a valiant effort in the 3-2 loss. Recently their home form has been fantastic, getting wins in their last two against Sporting Kansas City and Colorado.

Minnesota United

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  • Current Record: 3-6-2, 11 pts (8th in the Western Conference)
  • Last Time Out: 2-3 Loss at Toronto FC
  • Player to Watch For: Christian Ramirez. Minnesota’s Superman has done it all this season. He’s been one of the most lethal strikers in MLS this season. The Ramirez and Jelle Van Damme matchup could very well decide the match.
  • Why They Win: Ramirez and Kevin Molino get rolling, they take advantage of a set piece or two and make the Galaxy chase the game. If Minnesota can make LA play from behind they’ll be in good shape.
  • Why They Won’t: A defensive mistake puts them behind. LA gets to take some of the life out of the game and Giovani Dos Santos and Romain Alessandrini get the chances they need to make a difference.
  • Projected Starting XI:

LA Galaxy

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  • Current Record: 3-5-2, 11 pts (7th in the Western Conference)
  • Last Time Out: 3-1 Win at New York Red Bulls
  • Player to Watch For: Jelle Van Damme. It’s been a very up and down season for the Galaxy captain. Usually the team results follow the performance of Van Damme. If he has a good game then the Galaxy will like their chances.
  • Why They Win: The backline holds up. Minnesota’s offense has quietly been one of the more potent ones in the league. If they can keep Ramirez in check and Giovani Dos Santos can get rolling LA can make it back to back road wins.
  • Why They Won’t: The spine of Van Damme and Jones looks slow and commits silly fouls. That gives Minnesota some set piece chances they take advantage of.
  • Projected Starting XI:

Prediction

How to Watch

Where: TCF Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minnesota

When: Sunday, May 21 – 5:00 pm ET

How To Watch: ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US, MLS Live in Canada

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