A strong start to the MLS season was all but wiped away when LAFC dropped consecutive league matches, including a 4-1 beat down by San Jose, to fall from the lead in the Western Conference and in the MLS power rankings.
The Black & Gold are back in the spotlight on FOX with Saturday’s match against surging Minnesota featured. The Loons extended their MLS winning streak to three with last weekend's 2-0 win over Portland and they’re unbeaten in their last five matches overall.
Both clubs have a match ahead of Saturday’s showdown, but given Minnesota’s recent form and playing at home will likely position Minnesota FC as a slight favorite on the MLS betting odds.
LAFC at Minnesota United FC Preview
The first match of the MLS season between LAFC and Minnesota United FC takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. ET with the match televised on FOX.
Public Betting Odds Factors
- LAFC has been busy recently which may have played a role in their lackluster setback to the Earthquakes on Sunday. LA advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals playing two matches against Cruz Azul, including a mid-week jaunt south of the border last week for a 1-1 draw.
- The slate doesn’t get easier for the Black & Gold with CCC matches against Toluca likely redirecting their focus. LA is probably good with that exchange, but their play in MLS matches over the coming weeks could slip.
- LA’s impenetrable defense showed cracks in recent matches. After not allowing a goal in six straight MLS contests, LA suffered a 2-1 loss at Portland then surrendered three goals in a span of five minutes and another 22 minutes later in a 4-1 to San Jose.
- Prior to their match with Portland, LA had conceded just three goals in its previous 11 matches. It makes you wonder if playing two competitions at the same time is taking a toll.
- A 6-0 loss to Vancouver last month may have been the jolt Minnesota needed to turn its season around. They are unbeaten in five matches since that pasting, earning 10 points with three wins and a draw in four MLS tilts.
- Offense remains a glaring issue for Minnesota, though. The Loons are near the bottom of the MLS table with 10 goals scored and they’ve failed to score more than two markers in any match this season.
LAFC at Minnesota United FC Predictions
- This is a demanding stretch for LAFC playing eight matches in a span of 25 days and it would behoove Minnesota to take advantage of a fatigued club that suffered its worst loss of the year recently to San Jose. Defensive breakdowns led to six goals conceded in the last two MLS matches.
- Getting production from someone other than Kelvin Yeboah would help Minnesota’s long-term success. He’s the only player on the team with multiple goals ranking tied for 5th in MLS with five markers, half the team’s total through eight matches. He has a goal in each game of the 3-match MLS winning streak with two game winners.
LAFC at Minnesota United FC Betting Tips
- Let’s just call the recent skid a bump in the road for LAFC. They are the better team and after having their MLS campaign disrupted with back to back losses they should get a win.
- The opening run of clean sheets was spectacular but out of character for any club. You knew LAFC was going to be scored upon and they were. Shutouts on the road have historically been rare for LA so backing both clubs for a marker on the MLS betting line is a good play.
LAFC at Minnesota United FC Head to Head and Key Stats
- LA has three straight shutout wins over Minnesota in the series and has won four of the last five conceding just three goals in that span.
- The last four head to heads have resulted in shutout wins with no more than two goals combined scored in those matches.
- Minnesota’s last series win was 2-0 at home during the 2024 MLS season.
