As Major League Soccer's 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the LA Galaxy as they search for their first victory against the Minnesota United FC on Saturday, March 22. Currently languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Galaxy have yet to break the winless streak that has plagued them since the season's start. With just one point gleaned from a draw against the Portland Timbers, the defending MLS champions face a formidable challenge ahead.
Meanwhile, Minnesota United is experiencing a resurgence and sits in fourth place in the Western Conference standings, fueled by two wins and a draw in their last three matches. Their impressive turnaround has solidified their position and makes them a team to beat as they prepare to host the Galaxy at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET), and fans can follow the action live on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
This upcoming match marks the 18th encounter between LA Galaxy and Minnesota United FC across all competitions. Historically, the Galaxy lead the series with a record of 9 wins, 3 losses, and 5 draws. In league play, LA boasts a 7-3-5 record. Their most recent meeting during the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs witnessed an emphatic 6-2 victory for the Galaxy, with Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec both netting braces.
Despite last season's strong showing, the Galaxy finds themselves in a precarious position this time around. Transfer activity has seen Dejan Joveljic, Marky Delgado, Gaston Brugman, and Jalen Neal leave the club, while the team looks to integrate fresh talent like Axel Essengue, Mathias Jorgenson, Elijah Wynder, Lucas Sanabria, and Christian Ramirez. Interestingly, Ramirez returns to face his former team, having made his MLS debut with Minnesota United in 2014.
Greg Vanney, head coach of the LA Galaxy, reflects on the team's struggles, stating, "We're working hard as a group to try to put ourselves in positions to get results right now. And we got something out of that game. The end of the game was a little bit hairy, obviously, and nevertheless, we got out of it 1-1." However, the Galaxy has endured a rough start to the season, currently holding a disheartening record of 1-4-1 across all competitions, with their defense allowing a league-high eight goals.
Star players are also feeling the pinch due to injuries. For instance, Riqui Puig is sidelined with a knee issue and Joseph Paintsil continues to recover from a groin injury. Minnesota, meanwhile, will miss players like Tani Oluwaseyi—who has scored two goals this season—and Robin Lod due to international commitments. This depletion in ranks adds an additional layer of intrigue to the matchup.
As both clubs take to the field, Minnesota United will look to capitalize on their momentum. The team has displayed a balanced offense, scoring seven goals in their last four matches, with Tani Oluwaseyi and Kelvin Yeboah leading the charge with two goals each. They have also allowed an average of one goal per game, emphasizing their defensive strength.
In contrast, the Galaxy has struggled to find the back of the net. So far, Gabriel Pec and Ramirez are the only players who have found success in scoring, with recent games lacking the usual potency associated with the six-time MLS cup winners. Veterans like Diego Fagundez and Zanka are also hoping to step up their performances to boost national confidence as the season progresses.
This match could prove critical for the Galaxy as a victory would not only provide valuable points but might also serve as a turning point in their season. Conversely, a loss could deepen their woes and further solidify their place at the bottom of the Western Conference.
With plenty at stake for both teams, fans should expect an electrifying match that could shake up the standings as the season progresses. As the Galaxy aims to rise from their current troubles, only time will tell if they can secure their first victory of the season against a determined Minnesota United FC.
