LAFC vs Minnesota United
Saturday, July 15 at 5:30 pm PT
Location: Allianz Filed - Saint Paul, Minnesota
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
Coming off a convincing 3-0 home win on Wednesday night against St. Louis City SC, LAFC travels to the Gopher State to take on Minnesota United FC on Saturday, July 15, at Allianz Field.
The St. Louis result marked the end of a four-game winless streak for LAFC, which received goals from Carlos Vela, Stipe Biuk, and Jose Cifuentes, and crossed the threshold of 350 total goals scored, reaching that mark faster than any team in MLS history (180 matches).
The win moved LAFC into second place in the Western Conference Standings with 36 points, trailing St. Louis City SC by two points with 12 matches to go. Minnesota currently sits in 10th place in the West.
Saturday’s matchup will be the ninth between these two clubs. Each team has won twice, to go with four draws.LAFC has never won on the road against the Loons.
LEARN MORE:
MNUFC IN-DEPTH
Led by head coach Adrian Heath, the Loons are coming off a convincing 3-0 win in Houston on Wednesday.
Designated Player Emanuel Reynoso, who missed the start of the season due to personal issues, has scored three goals and contributed one assist in six matches played this season. Forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane leads the club with six goals in 20 matches. Brand-new acquisition and European first-division legend Teemu Pukki scored his first career MLS goal in Wednesday’s win over the Dynamo.
THE BLACK & GOLD WILL WIN IF
it can sustain the confidence it built during a dominant performance against St. Louis. A burden was lifted when LAFC scored those three goals and conceded none. The clubhas played 32 matches across all competitions, and although the players are reluctant to admit it fatigue has been a factor in LAFC’s recent struggles. We’ll find out if those struggles are behind them as the Black & Gold try to remain focused for one more match before enjoying the two-week break that precedes its first Leagues Cup game.
MNUFC CAN WIN IF
it can stop an LAFC attack that may have been awakened in the second half versus St. Louis. Offensively, the Loons will try to sustain the form that has seen them score eight goals in their last three matches. Saturday they face an LAFC team that will be without three key defenders and has won just one of its last four away games in MLS play.
