MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Minnesota United Vs LA Galaxy: 5 things to watch for – Zlatan absence offers a chance

By Tyler Hanson

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 12: Minnesota United forward Carlos Darwin Quintero (25) lines up a cross during a MLS match between D.C. United and Minnesota United FC on September 12, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.DC United defeated Minnesota United FC 2-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 12: Minnesota United forward Carlos Darwin Quintero (25) lines up a cross during a MLS match between D.C. United and Minnesota United FC on September 12, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.DC United defeated Minnesota United FC 2-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Minnesota United, Darwin Quintero
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 12: Minnesota United forward Carlos Darwin Quintero (25) lines up a cross during a MLS match between D.C. United and Minnesota United FC on September 12, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C. DC United defeated Minnesota United FC 2-1. (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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.

light. Related Story. MLS Week 3: Top 7 storylines to follow

Here are five things to watch for ahead of the Week 3 tilt.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy leaves the field after defeating the Chicago Fire at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 02, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy leaves the field after defeating the Chicago Fire at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 02, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/Minnesota United