Galaxy want win at Minnesota to tighten race

[October 20, 2018]  Hovering just below the playoff line, the Los Angeles Galaxy know exactly what is at stake when they travel to Minnesota for a key MLS clash on Sunday afternoon.

The Galaxy (12-11-9, 45 points) need a victory to move one point behind Real Salt Lake, who currently hold the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. RSL defeated the New England Revolution 4-1 on Thursday night to extend their unbeaten streak to five games.

The Galaxy are on a late-season run of their own, having gone unbeaten over their last three matches to make a final playoff push. Los Angeles has victories over Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders, scoring eight goals in those games. The Galaxy earned a 1-1 tie at Sporting Kansas City in their most recent match Oct. 6.

Yet the Galaxy know that even finishing with victories in the final two games of the regular season does not guarantee anything. If RSL win their season finale on Sunday against Portland, there is nothing the Galaxy can do to reach the playoffs.

"We have to go win these next two games either way," Galaxy coach Dominic Kinnear said. "I think that does help us. Any dropped points from (Real Salt Lake) helps us. We still have to go and get six points out of these next two games."

Minnesota United FC (11-18-3, 36 points) already has been eliminated from playoff consideration but a crowd of more than 50,000 is expected to support the home team.

The Loons have lost each of their last two matches, surrendering seven goals to the Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids. Saturday's 2-0 defeat to a disappointing Colorado squad came at home, no less.

"At this moment in time, with the way that we're playing, we need to take them opportunities when they come, to give the team confidence to move on from there," Loons coach Adrian Heath said.

The Galaxy confirmed this week that Chris Pontius will miss the remainder of the season, no matter how long it lasts, with a groin injury that likely will require surgery. Giovani dos Santos is nearing a return after missing the last month and a half, but will not be ready for Sunday's match.

--Field Level Media

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