MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs. LAFC Preview

Published on July 14, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota United host Los Angeles Football Club on Saturday night at Allianz Field in the first meeting between the Western Conference sides of the 2023 regular-season campaign. The Loons look to ride their momentum following a 3-0 road win at Houston this past Wednesday: Goals from Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Teemu Pukki and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi contributed to the victory, alongside a Dayne St. Clair shutout. The defending MLS Cup champions come into Saint Paul having beaten St. Louis 3-0 at home, but that win was their first in the last five league matches. Saturday night's match is set to be a test of scoring success and defensive will, should both the Black & Blue and Black & Gold keep up their most recent forms.

HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH ON ON WHAT THE TEAM NEEDS TO DO TO CONTINUE THE MOMENTUM FROM THE WIN INTO SATURDAY AGAINST LAFC...

"Play well, take our opportunities when they arise, don't beat ourselves by giving them opportunities which I thought we did a little bit against Austin [FC]. I don't think we defended well individually and collectively. And then you've got to be completely concentrated because the likes of [Denis] Bouanga, the likes of [Carlos] Vela, it doesn't matter who they play. They paid a lot of money for a lot of attacking pieces. So when you're in possession, sometimes they're at their most dangerous. We have to be completely concentrated when we're attacking. We call it preventative marking: when we're attacking, what happens if we lose it? We'll have to do well at that and if we do, as we've proved the last couple of times we've played them at home, we can match them."

GOALKEEPER DAYNE ST. CLAIR ON PREPARING FOR LAFC ON SATURDAY...

"Obviously they have a lot of quality players and so similar to tonight, we need to keep a compact shape and close down the ball. If we get a clean sheet that gives us an opportunity to win the game. So keeping a clean sheet for me, personally and for the team should be a priority."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

Storylines is really looking forward to Leagues Cup, but there's one opponent left between us and international competition: LAFC. I'm no fan of the Black and Gold, but I must admit, I like their style, and I love their number ten. Carlos Vela is a special talent, and he's been changing the game since he first touched a ball.

INJURY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

None

QUESTIONABLE:

F. Fragapane - Thigh

INTERNATIONAL DUTY:

None

SEASON ENDING INJURY LIST:

R. Jiba - Knee

R. Lod - Knee

MINNESOTA UNITED vs. LAFC

ALLIANZ FIELD | SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA

07.15.23 | MLS Regular Season | MLS Matchday 26

7:30 p.m. CT (MLS Season Pass; MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2023 Record

MIN: 7-8-6 (2-2-5 at home)

LAFC: 10-6-6 (3-3-3 on the road)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from July 14, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central