Minnesota United vs. LAFC: Match Preview

Where: Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.

When: Sunday, September 29, 4:30 pm PT

How to Watch: FS1 in the United States.

Los Angeles Football Club have their first trophy in the case, and they are back in action looking to avoid a hangover as they take on Minnesota United FC for the second time in recent weeks.

The Loons, who were also in action on Wednesday, have booked their first MLS Playoffs berth and are on a high too, although maybe not as high as LAFC’s Supporters’ Shield triumph on the same night.

But Minnesota handed LAFC their last loss, a 2-0 decision earlier this month at The Banc. Mason Toye scored a first-half brace and LAFC were missing an injured Carlos Vela on the night.

Now, Vela is back and rounding back into form, scoring in his last three games and just one goal behind the single-season scoring record in MLS. But Minnesota are confident, having booked their playoff ticket and having beaten LAFC a matter of weeks ago, and this game is at their house, where they are 10-1-5 at home in league play this year. LAFC are 8-3-5 on the road in MLS action, and of course there is the chance LAFC could see a letdown having clinched a title just a few days ago.

Consider, however, that LAFC are playing for history, with a chance to break the MLS single-season points record, needing four to break the mark. They also want to be in form for the playoffs, with a big gap between the season finale on Oct. 6 and their first playoff game, which will be two and a half weeks later. There could be a few players rotated, but expect a strong LAFC side to face the Loons and try and split the regular-season series.

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