NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Sizzling LAFC Faces Minnesota United and a History of Road Woes
It is a heavyweight showdown in the Western Conference as two of the hottest teams in Major League Soccer prepare to clash on Wednesday night in Saint Paul. Los Angeles FC, fresh off back-to-back dominant shutout victories, will travel to face a Minnesota United side that has been perfect in the month of July. For LAFC, however, this match is about more than just continuing their good form; it’s about conquering a historical demon. In their entire history, LAFC has never won a road match against the Loons, a stunning fact that adds a layer of immense pressure and intrigue to this marquee matchup.
LAFC’s Confidence and a Crushing Blow
Los Angeles FC is finally playing with the rhythm and confidence that their fans have been waiting for. After a frustrating exit from the FIFA Club World Cup and a subsequent 1-0 loss to Vancouver, the team has responded in emphatic fashion. They dismantled the Colorado Rapids 3-0 and followed it up with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over FC Dallas last Saturday. The defense, led by legendary French international goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, has been impenetrable, while the attack, led by star Denis Bouanga, has been clinical. Lloris earned his eighth clean sheet of the season against Dallas, and Bouanga’s goal and assist in that match brought his season totals to an impressive 10 goals and seven assists.
“There is rhythm, that is great to see,” LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said. “There is confidence. That is good to see… We have done this for two (matches) in a row, and we hope to continue that against Minnesota.”
That task, however, was made significantly more difficult on Tuesday. The club announced that star central defender Aaron Long, who was carted off the field in the win against Dallas, underwent surgery for a ruptured left Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season. The loss of a veteran, physical presence like Long is a devastating blow to LAFC’s defense, and it could not have come at a worse time as they prepare to face one of the most potent attacks in the conference. How a team copes with a season-ending injury to a key player is a crucial factor, a topic often explored in our expert betting guide.
The Minnesota Fortress
For LAFC, a trip to Allianz Field in Saint Paul has been a house of horrors. In six all-time road matches in MLS play against Minnesota United, they have never won, posting a dismal record of 0-2-4. For a perennial powerhouse like LAFC, which has enjoyed success in nearly every other stadium in the league, this specific historical hurdle is a major point of frustration. This isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a mental block they will need to overcome to be considered true championship contenders.
Minnesota will be looking to extend that historical dominance on Wednesday, and they enter the match in spectacular form themselves. The Loons are a perfect 3-0-0 in the month of July, a stretch that includes a U.S. Open Cup victory over the Chicago Fire. They have outscored their opponents 9-3 in those three matches and are coming off an impressive 4-1 home win over San Jose on Saturday. “I think in general it was a high-level performance, and I think the score line reflected that,” Minnesota coach Eric Ramsay said. “I think this team has a lot of energy and a lot of momentum at the moment.”
Be Part of the Action
Sign Up Now!
A Tale of Two Attacks
This match will feature some of the most dynamic attacking talent in the Western Conference. For Minnesota, the charge is led by Canadian international Tani Oluwaseyi, who has been brilliant this season with nine goals and eight assists. He is supported by the club’s new all-time assist leader, Robin Lod, who eclipsed Emanuel Reynoso’s franchise record with his 34th career regular-season assist in the win over San Jose.
LAFC, as always, will rely on the explosive talent of Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese international is a constant threat with his pace, power, and clinical finishing. His battle against a Minnesota backline that has been solid at home will be one of the key matchups to watch.
The Tactical Matchup and What to Expect
This game presents a fantastic clash of two in-form teams. LAFC won the season opener between these two clubs 1-0 in Los Angeles, but this match is in the “Minnesota fortress,” where the Loons are a completely different team. The scores and odds for this match are expected to be incredibly tight, reflecting a showdown between two of the West’s best. The central question is whether LAFC’s vaunted attack can finally solve their Minnesota curse, especially now that they are without a key piece of their defense. To see who our experts are backing in this heavyweight clash, check out our daily soccer picks.
