Preseason Game: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Minnesota United FC (2/12/2025) | OneFootball

The third game for the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Coachella Valley Invitational pits the defending champions against their former victim from the MLS Western Conference Semifinals. The last time out between these two teams went in favor of the Galaxy massively.

Behind an offensive showcase that was led by Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, the Los Angeles Galaxy won 6-2 in the second round of the playoffs. The win sent the Galaxy back to the MLS Western Conference Finals and the loss ended Minnesota's season.

On Wednesday, the LA Galaxy and Minnesota United square off at 11:00 a.m. CT and 2:00 p.m. ET.

What are the objectives for the Los Angeles Galaxy in this one?

Gabriel Pec has looked sharp. He scored the game's first goal against Austin FC. The Galaxy led until the 79th minute.

The six-time MLS Cup champions had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Another tie happened this past Sunday when the LA Galaxy played Charlotte FC.

1. Pull off a win

The LA Galaxy suffered a late 2-0 collapse in a nearly scoreless contest against NYFC more than a week ago. Since then, the MLS Western Conference powerhouse has settled for a pair of draws.

A win would raise morale and give this team a boost as they are less than two weeks away from the start of the regular season. Any gained momentum is certainly welcome by head coach Greg Vanney and his players.

2. Improved team chemistry

The Los Angeles Galaxy's roster has undergone quite a few changes. All three goalies remain with the team: John McCarthy, Novak Micovic, and Brady Scott. They added JT Marcinkowski.

In addition, they sent Gaston Brugman, Jalen Neal, Marky Delgado and Dejan Joveljic packing. The team did re-sign Maya Yoshida, as well as Eriq Zavaleta.

Matheus Jorgensen (Zanka), Acsel Essengue, Christian Ramirez and Lucas Sanabria all signed with the Galaxy this winter. Elijah Wynder also inked a deal to join the Galaxy.

With multiple new players to work into the lineup and find the best combinations, building strong connections on the field is vital in the LA Galaxy's title defense.

3. Establish the starting lineup

Not only did we see Vanney utilize a 4-3-3 formation at the end of the regular season with success, but a consistent lineup also helped the Los Angeles Galaxy score a record 18 postseason goals while only giving up four.

Yoshida and Miguel Berry both scored in the LA Galaxy's last game. That's a sign of good things to come. However, none of the newcomers have found the back of the net yet.

To establish the best Starting XI, that may be an indicator of who Vanney selects for the first eleven on the field come February 23. Regardless, the Los Angeles Galaxy have this game and one more to figure it out.