Preview: Loons try to right the ship at home to LA Galaxy

Minnesota United’s second home game at Allianz Field comes on a Wednesday night, just a few days after a disappointing loss to Toronto FC and just a few days before a big Sunday home tilt against DC United.

Sandwiched between those matches comes a game that the Loons cannot take lightly: a Western Conference battle against the LA Galaxy.

United will have home field advantage, which could be a key factor as they try to put the woes of their collapse in Canada behind them. The Galaxy have only played twice on the road so far this year, winning once and losing once. Meanwhile Minnesota’s lone home game was a 3-3 draw in the opener.

The original Los Angeles club has been playing second fiddle to last year’s newbies LAFC, but is still off to a strong start with five wins in five home games, enough to sit second in the Western Conference.

The Galaxy haven’t been as offensively powerful as their cross-town rivals, but their defense sits tied for the fewest goals allowed in the league. The Loons’ attack will be charged with breaking down a solid back line while also minding star attackers like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The two teams met in California earlier this year, with United falling 3-2 despite a late attempt at a comeback. Manager Adrian Heath missed that game due to a dental procedure.

In that match, the Galaxy enjoyed near-total domination over Minnesota in the first half before laying down a final blow after United managed to equalize late in the second.

Though the Loons injury issues are somewhat resolved, they’ll be without midfielder Jan Greguš and captain/defender Francisco Calvo due to red cards from the Toronto match. Central defender Ike Opara (face) and fullback Chase Gasper (hamstring) are both questionable. Miguel Ibarra (hamstring) and Kevin Molino (ACL) carry no injury designations.

Start Time: 7:00p CT

Location: Allianz Field, St. Paul, MN

TV: Fox Sports North +

Radio: SKOR North (AM 1500)

Streaming: Available via ESPN+ (local blackouts apply, free trial available)

E Pluribus Loonum has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though E Pluribus Loonum and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our guiding principles.

Thoughts on the match? Sound off in the comments section below!