Hot Loons side hosts chilled LAFC squad

Minnesota United has come roaring back to life since the early season struggles that ended in a 6–0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps. Since that loss MNUFC has now gone unbeaten in seven straight and attained four clean sheets in that run. LAFC on the other hand have struggled recently, going 1-2-2 in their last five and are winless in their last four matches. Both clubs have been dealing with schedule congestion due to league play alongside the Open Cup for the Loons and the Concacaf Champions Cup for Los Angeles FC. MNUFC are 3-5-6 (W-D-L) all time against LAFC with the Loons last win over LAFC coming on 16 March, 2024.

After nine weeks of play in MLS, both teams tied with 17 points putting them in 3rd (LA) and 4th (MIN) in the Western Conference. Minnesota's attack has come to life with Kelvin Yeboah notching five goals and Anthony Markanich has two so far this year. Joaquín Pereyra and Tomás Chancalay have also shown their mark on the attack, each having three assists and creating numerous chances for the Loons.

Defensively MNUFC has turned into one of the most rock solid teams in the league, giving up only seven goals in the eight matches that were not against Vancouver. This has happened while dealing with the loss of longtime defensive leader Michael Boxall on the back line. Drake Callender has attained four clean sheets through the first part of the campaign, nearly halfway to Dayne St. Clair's 10 regular season clean sheets in 2026.

“All the teams we play have good players and you can't just manage one or two. You have to manage a team," said Cameron Knowles on Friday. "The guys that really threaten you in transition. And I think we've got to be mindful of those moments. If we can be in control with the ball when we're further up the field and we have a good understanding of what our shape looks like, behind the ball, that becomes really important. So it's not just dealing with one guy, two guys, but dealing with them as a team.”

Up until the most recent stretch LAFC had been one of the most dominant teams in the Western Conference. Wins over Inter Miami, Houston, Dallas, and St. Louis were all relatively normal clean sheets. On top of that was LAFC's 6-0 drubbing of Orlando City at the beginning of the month. Son Heung-min has been the Black & Gold's primary playmaker, with six assists this season, but the South Korean forward has failed to register a goal in any of the eight league matches he has played this season. But he has gone dry recently, failing to register a point in any of the last three matches.

The offensive slack has been picked up though with LAFC registering nine seperate goal scorers this season. Gabonese-French forward Denis Bouanga leads Los Angeles FC with four goals in MLS play, but has only netted one assist. Bouanga is dry in the last three league matches and if Minnesota United can shut down Son & Bouanga it will be a hard afternoon for LAFC.

News & Notes

Per Cameron Knowles following Friday's training session, everyone came out of Wednesday's match without sustaining knocks or injuries.

Today is the 2026 MNUFC Kids Game, which will include various pre-match activities on the Great Lawn outside the stadium

Next up for the Loons is a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup fourth round match will kick off at 9:00pm on Tuesday 28 April.

Following today's match the Loons have three more home matches before the World Cup break begins in late May

Supporters notes: march begins at 2:30 starting at Loon statue. Dark Clouds & Red Loons pre-match at Black Hart of St. Paul and TNE are at the Midway Saloon.

Kickoff is set for approximately 3:55pm (listed for 3:45) this afternoon. It can be watched on FOX and Apple TV, as well as heard over the radio on 1500ESPN.