Minnesota United head to LA looking to knock off the Los Angeles Galaxy this weekend, hoping for three wins in three matches. Here are five things to watch for.
Minnesota United will be looking for three wins from their first three matches of the season on Saturday when they travel to face the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The Galaxy are a dangerous opponent, but with Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to miss the fixture through injury, the Loons have a unique chance to get one over on a potential Western playoff rival.
Here are five things to watch for ahead of the Week 3 tilt.
5. Zlatan is out
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the LA Galaxy’s larger than life Swedish striker, has been ruled out of this match with a knee injury. Ibrahimovic, who scored 22 goals last season and also scored in LA’s season opener, is a huge loss for the Galaxy and his injury certainly improves Minnesota’s chances at three points.
Last week against FC Dallas, LA Galaxy looked lost without their MVP nominee leading the line. Dallas controlled the game with LA unable to work the ball into attacking areas. Zlatan’s absence was significant, to say the least.
The Loons still shouldn’t sleep on his replacement Chris Pontius though. The 31-year-old has 50 career MLS goals to his name. Nevertheless, the Galaxy are not as dangerous as they are with Ibrahimovic in the line-up.