The Los Angeles Galaxy will face Minnesota United on Saturday night in Carson, California, as both teams look to improve their early-season records.
Both squads have the same record (1-2-2, 5 points) coming back from the international break.
The Galaxy played to a 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers on March 22, while Minnesota United had a scoreless home draw with the Seattle Sounders on the same date.
The Galaxy’s busy schedule has affected their performance in MLS. They have successfully progressed through two rounds of the CONCACAF Championship Cup and will compete in the quarterfinals, but their league results have not been as strong.
The draw against Portland was particularly disappointing since the Galaxy played with a man advantage for the final 70 minutes. Joao Klauss scored to equalize 10 minutes after a Timbers red card, but the Galaxy could not find the net again.
“It doesn’t need to be me, it needs to be about us,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said regarding the team’s attacking philosophy. “It’s about making good decisions when we are in those key moments to achieve success.”
Klauss leads the Galaxy with five goals, while Kelvin Yeboah has scored two for Minnesota United. Minnesota’s draw before the break was more positive, as they managed to keep the Sounders scoreless after a heavy 6-0 defeat by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Despite holding two teams scoreless in five matches, Minnesota has allowed 11 goals, the second-most in the Western Conference.
“The Whitecaps game was about finding stability and showing we can control play even without the ball,” said Minnesota coach Cameron Knowles. “We’ve discussed how to apply pressure from a deeper position and move forward effectively.”
Minnesota will be missing veteran forward Julian Gressel, who is out due to surgery for a right big toe fracture. Defender Michael Boxall (groin) and midfielder Peter Stroud (quad) will also not play. Midfielder James Rodriguez is dealing with an illness after returning from international duty with Colombia but is expected to participate.
The Galaxy will be without forward Joseph Paintsil (hamstring) and defender Jakob Glesnes (calf).