This is the formula Minnesota United can use to upset LA Galaxy in the MLS Western semifinal

MINNESOTA UNITED | ANALYSIS

The formula for winning on the road in football is pretty standard around the world. First, be defensively sound; Then try to score on the counter-attack as most teams at home will try to control the ball. And of course, if you can, score a goal on a set piece.

It’s a plan that Minnesota United has used with great success this season. The Loons won eight road games and took 27 points away from home, both tied for best in the Western Conference, and when you look back at those eight wins, a pattern emerges. Charlotte? Kept a clean sheet, scored on the counter, scored from a set piece. Atlanta? Only one goal allowed, scored on the counter, scored from a set piece.

Now the Loons face a winner-take-all playoff game against the LA Galaxy on November 24 – on the road. So how can they come out of Dignity Health Sports Park with a win?

Well, it’s simple: be defensively sound, score on the counter and maybe score a goal from a set piece.

Look back at the three goals Minnesota scored against the Galaxy this season and you won’t be surprised: two goals from set pieces, plus an absurd transition goal from Teemu Pukki in which every defender seemed absolutely determined to stay at least ten yards away. , no matter how close Pukki came to the penalty area.

This year it was widely noted that the Galaxy, with all their attacking stars, were potential contenders for the MLS Cup. Most observers agreed that all they needed in the summer transfer window was an All-Star center, and they could be the favorites.