The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Minnesota United FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
- 2024 Record: 22-12-4, Supporters’ Shield winners
- Key Players: Carlos Vela, Mark Delgado, Jeremy Ebobisse, Odin Thiago Holm
- Strengths: LAFC set an MLS record for points in 2024 and had 22 regular-season victories. They have a strong home record, winning 11 times at home last season.
- Challenges: Despite their regular-season success, LAFC was eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs. They will look to improve their playoff performance this season.
Minnesota United FC
- 2024 Record: 15-17-2, reached the playoffs but lost in the second round
- Key Players: Tani Oluwaseyi, Emanuel Reynoso, Robin Lod
- Strengths: Minnesota United finished the 2024 season strong, winning three of their final four league contests. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: Minnesota United struggled early in the season, losing four of their first five games. They have not won their first match of an MLS campaign since 2018.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM PST
- Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
- Broadcast: FOX US, Fox Deportes, Fubo TV, Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- LAFC: The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have turned to Javier Mascherano to guide the team to an MLS Cup. They have added Mark Delgado and Jeremy Ebobisse ahead of this season and also brought in Odin Thiago Holm on loan from Celtic FC. Their biggest departure was Leonardo Campana, who was traded to the New England Revolution.
- Minnesota United: After a poor start to the 2024 season, Minnesota United hired Eric Ramsay to maximize the team’s high-priced talent. They have lost key players like Christian McFarlane to Manchester City and Jovan Mijatović on loan to Belgian Pro League side Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
Key Matchups
- Carlos Vela vs. Minnesota United Defense: Vela’s presence on the field will be a major factor for LAFC. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test Minnesota United’s defensive capabilities.
- Minnesota United’s Front Line vs. LAFC’s Defense: Minnesota United’s attacking trio will look to exploit any weaknesses in LAFC’s defense and create scoring chances.
