MLS: DC United still in play-off hunt, Los Angeles Galaxy and Minnesota United square off
We are approaching the final day of the regular MLS season. While some matters have already been decided, there are still a few teams hovering around the play-off spots. In this preview, we will look ahead to Toronto v D.C. United, and Los Angeles Galaxy v Minnesota United. We will also check in on the latest match odds to see how they are shaping up.
D.C. United hoping for favour from New York Red Bulls
As things stand, D.C. United’s play-off hopes are out of their hands. New York Red Bulls, who have a game in hand over D.C., are in action in midweek against Atlanta United FC, and should they pick up at least a point, that should be enough for them to punch their ticket to the play-offs.
Of course, D.C. United will be hoping for a favour, but they will know all too well that performances haven’t been good enough of late. A 3-1 defeat at the hands of Columbus Crew consigned United to their third defeat in their past four MLS outings. So, perhaps it may not come as a surprise to the fans if they fall just short.
D.C. United aren’t prepared to let the wheels fall off
As mentioned, D.C. United have been in a rut of late. Prior to their 3-1 defeat to Crew, United succumbed to a 6-0 defeat away to New York City, and perhaps they were still smarting from that. However, there is no hiding, and now it’s a case of just laying everything on the line against Toronto, and seeing where that will take them.
Toronto FC hoping for clean slate after dreadful season
Toronto FC will be delighted to see the season finish. In many respects, it has been arduous, and one that will be categorised as a failure. They have picked up just six wins, and 28 points to date. A win against D.C. United on Sunday will give the Toronto faithful something to cheer about.
Los Angeles Galaxy still have work to do to seal the deal
Although Los Angeles Galaxy appear to be in prime position to cement a play-off spot, it is far from a done deal. A 1-1 draw away to Seattle Sounders leaves them in sixth spot, just two points ahead of Salt Lake, who are in eighth place. Greg Vanney’s men, however, have been porous at the back, conceding 51 times this season.
Greg Vanney hails impact of LA Galaxy star Javier Hernandez
Javier Hernandez has been a revelation for LA Galaxy this season, and he has netted 15 times while spending 1,646 minutes on the pitch. The Mexican hitman gave the Galaxy the lead away to the Sounders earlier this week before his strike was cancelled out by Raul Rudiaz.
It was an all-action display from Hernandez. Besides finding the back of the net, Hernandez buzzed all over the pitch, as he created two chances, won a couple of aerial duels and tracked back at crucial times to make three tackles. And Vanney is in no doubt about what Hernandez can give to Galaxy.
- Los Angeles Galaxy to beat Minnesota United @1.95 with Casumo
- Minnesota United to beat Los Angeles Galaxy @3.25 with Casumo
Meanwhile, Minnesota are in control of their playoff hopes. In a do-or-die game against Sporting Kansas City last weekend, Minnesota claimed a 2-1 win. And after being awarded their only second penalty of the calendar year, Emmanuel Reynoso converted with a cheeky panenka. Minnesota are fifth in the Western Conference standings with one game remaining.
Los Angeles Galaxy v Minnesota United: A tale of past encounters
A trip to Los Angeles Galaxy could spell problems for Minnesota United. Although they won comfortably (3-0) the last time the two sides met in September, they fell to a 3-2 defeat when they travelled to face the Galaxy back in March 2019. On that day, Jonathan dos Santos, Chris Pontius, and Sebastian Lletget grabbed the goals for Galaxy.
Minnesota have been decimated by injuries this season. Injuries in particular to the attacking quartet have limited the time they have spent together on the pitch. However, if Minnesota can keep Hernandez quiet, then they will be confident of picking up all three points.
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