Los Angeles FC will be hoping for another memorable season as they kick off their campaign against Minnesota United.
The 2025 Major League Soccer season gets underway with Los Angeles FC hosting Minnesota United at BMO Stadium on Saturday. Both teams will be eager to start the new campaign with a positive result, setting the tone for what they hope will be a successful year.
Los Angeles FC enjoyed a solid 2024 season, finishing at the top of the Western Conference with 64 points. They edged out city rivals LA Galaxy on goal difference but had to settle for third place in the overall league standings.
In addition to their league success, the Black and Gold lifted the US Open Cup for the first time in their history. They defeated Seattle Sounders 1-0 in the semi-finals before overcoming Sporting Kansas City 3-1 after extra time in the final.
Despite these achievements, LAFC’s playoff run ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the semi-finals following a 2-1 extra-time defeat to the Sounders. Determined to go further this season, they have set their sights on both domestic and international success.
Their pre-season preparations were encouraging, as they remained unbeaten across four friendlies. They started with a 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes before registering consecutive victories over Portland Timbers (1-0), Chicago Fire (1-0), and Club America (2-1).
However, that momentum took a hit in their first competitive fixture of 2025, as they suffered a 2-1 loss to Colorado Rapids in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. With the second leg of that tie coming up next Wednesday, LAFC will be determined to build confidence with a strong showing in their MLS opener.
They will also be keen to improve on last season’s start, which saw them fall to a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Real Salt Lake. Encouragingly, LAFC have enjoyed dominance in this fixture, winning their last three home meetings against Minnesota United.
Minnesota United will be looking to improve on their sixth-place finish in the Western Conference and tenth place in the overall standings from last season. They finished the 2024 campaign with 54 points from 15 wins, 12 draws, and seven defeats, securing their joint-fourth-highest finish in the conference and their third-best overall MLS standing.
Their playoff run ended in disappointment as they suffered a heavy 6-2 quarter-final defeat at the hands of LA Galaxy, cutting their post-season hopes short. Under the guidance of Eric Ramsay, the Loons will be eager to build on last season’s progress and make a deeper playoff run. However, their preseason results have been inconsistent.
They managed just one victory in four warm-up matches, drawing once and losing their last two, including a 1-0 defeat to New York City FC. Despite these setbacks, Minnesota can take confidence from their opening match last season, when they defied expectations to claim a 2-1 victory away at Austin FC.
They will be looking to replicate that resilient performance as they begin their 2025 campaign. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Los Angeles FC
LAFC were highly active in the transfer window ahead of the new season, reshaping their squad with seven new arrivals while parting ways with three players.
Their acquisitions include Cengiz Under and Odin Thiago Holm, who arrived on loan from Fenerbahce and Celtic, respectively, Artem Smolyakov from Polissya Zhytomyr, Igor Jesus from Estrela Amadora, Yaw Yeboah as a free agent, Nkosi Tafari Burgess from FC Dallas, and Mark Delgado from LA Galaxy.
On the departure front, Cristian Olivera made the switch to Gremio, Mario Gonzalez joined Lech Poznan, and Mateusz Bogusz sealed a move to Mexican side Cruz Azul. Meanwhile, experienced striker Olivier Giroud is expected to lead the line on Saturday, likely flanked by Denis Bouanga and David Martinez in a three-man attack.
LAFC are expected to deploy a 4-1-2-3 formation. Hugo Lloris will start in goal, providing leadership and experience. Ryan Hollingshead, Aaron Long, Marlon Santos, and Sergi Palencia will form the backline, tasked with maintaining defensive solidity.
Igor Jesus will occupy the defensive midfield role, shielding the back four while linking defence to attack. Mark Delgado and Timothy Tillman will play ahead of him in central midfield, providing creativity and work rate.
The attacking trio will feature David Martinez on the right wing, Olivier Giroud as the central striker, and Denis Bouanga on the left wing, with the French veteran expected to be the focal point of LAFC’s offensive play.
Probable Lineup (4-1-2-3): Lloris; Hollingshead, Long, Santos, Palencia; Igor Jesus; Delgado, Tillman; Martínez, Giroud, Bouanga
Minnesota United
Minnesota United have also undergone a squad refresh, bolstering their ranks with new signings, including Owen Gene, Jeong Ho-yeon, Nicolas Romero, and Wil Trapp. Meanwhile, several key players have departed, including Matus Kmet, Mikael Marques, Patrick Weah, Teemu Pukki, and Franco Fragapane.
For Saturday’s fixture, Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi could spearhead a two-man attack, supported by an advanced midfield trio of Wil Trapp, Robin Lod, and Joaquin Pereyra.
Minnesota United are expected to line up in a 5-3-2 formation. Dayne St. Clair will start in goal, providing reliability between the posts. The defensive line will consist of Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Carlos Harvey, Michael Boxall, Jefferson Diaz, and Joseph Rosales, offering a mix of strength and agility at the back.
In midfield, Robin Lod and Joaquin Pereyra will play alongside Wil Trapp, tasked with controlling possession and creating opportunities in the final third. Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi will lead the line, hoping to capitalize on any defensive lapses from LAFC and make an impact in the attacking third.
Probable Lineup (5-3-2): Clair; Hlongwane, Harvey, Boxall, Díaz, Rosales; Lod, Trapp, Pereyra; Yeboah, Oluwaseyi
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- LAFC have won their last three home matches against Minnesota United.
- Minnesota United have never won an away game against LAFC in their history.
- The last five meetings between these sides have averaged 2.8 goals per game.
- LAFC have scored at least two goals in four of their last five encounters with Minnesota United.
- Minnesota United’s last victory over LAFC came in 2021, with a 1-0 win at home.
Player to Watch
Olivier Giroud
Giroud brings an invaluable mix of experience, leadership, and goalscoring ability. The veteran striker, a World Cup winner with France, has proven himself at the highest levels of club football, excelling in England, France, and Italy before making the move to MLS.
At 38, Giroud remains a dominant presence in the attacking third, renowned for his aerial ability, hold-up play, and clinical finishing. His ability to bring teammates into play with intelligent movement and link-up play will be crucial for LAFC’s attacking fluidity.
Against Minnesota United, Giroud is expected to play a central role, leading the line as the primary goal threat. With creative midfielders like Mark Delgado and Timothy Tillman supporting him, as well as wingers David Martinez and Denis Bouanga providing service from wide areas, the Frenchman will have ample opportunities to make his mark on the game.
Giroud’s experience in high-pressure matches will be vital for LAFC, and if he can get off to a strong start in his MLS debut, he could set the tone for a successful season.
Prediction
Los Angeles FC 2-0 Minnesota United
LAFC’s home advantage, squad depth, and recent dominance in this fixture make them the favourites heading into this encounter. Minnesota, while capable of springing surprises, have shown inconsistency in both their preseason form and last season’s playoff run.
Expect the hosts to control possession and create scoring opportunities, while Minnesota may rely on counterattacks to stay competitive. Given LAFC’s strength at BMO Stadium, they should be able to secure a winning start to their 2025 campaign.
