Tonight, we're looking at a main event matchup between the LA Galaxy and Minnesota United FC. The LA Galaxy stride onto the field with the confident aura of a team backed by a solid regular season record of 11 wins, 7 draws, and just 4 losses. Conversely, Minnesota United FC don an 8-5-8 record this season, which means they've been as consistent as a weather forecast.
However, Minnesota United FC has suffered a few blows with stalwarts like Clint Irwin and Wil Trapp sidelined due to injuries. That means no, you aren't seeing double, they really are missing their top-rated goalkeeper, and Trapp, who's been pretty decent with his goal shots this season.
The LA Galaxy have been fortunate in that department with no major injuries to announce, actually scratch that, we DO have Jonathan Perez missing due to injury, but thankfully for the Galaxy, he didn’t make the list of top players.
Analyzing the goalkeeper situation, we have LA Galaxy's John McCarthy bringing to the table a formidable 7.54 rating with 21 saves. Good luck getting a shot past him! On the other end, we have Minnesota United FC with Alec Smir, who boasts an impressive… wait, he hasn't saved a single shot? Seriously? Now that’s a number even a goldfish could count to.
Looking at top players, the LA Galaxy is led by Gabriel Pec, who's been causing seismic activity with that 7.90 rating and 3 goals. They also have Dejan Joveljić and Joseph Paintsil, who have been playing like men tired of being called mediocre, bagging 3 and 2 goals respectively. Over in Minnesota, we see stand outs like Bongokuhle Hlongwane with 3 goals and Hassani Dotson with 2, but this team has injuries plaguing their starting lineup and it's hard to say who will step up in place of Trapp and Irwin.
Looking back at past match-ups, it's been back and forth between these two teams, Minnesota United FC grabbed a solid 5-2 win against LA Galaxy. Takes a lot of nerve to go into someone's backyard and punch them in the mouth like that. However, On the flip side, the Galaxy returned the favor with a 4-3 victory.
Considering all these factors, I’d have to turn in my pundit card if I didn’t go with the LA Galaxy to take the win today. They're healthier, they've had a better season, and they have an army of strong players ready to step onto the battlefield.
Albert’s Prediction: LA Galaxy by 2