The Los Angeles Galaxy and Minnesota United have put together performances that suggest they are among the top teams in the MLS.
It would suggest that a spirited matchup is ahead when the teams collide Wednesday at Saint Paul, Minn.
While Real Salt Lake leads the Western Conference, the Galaxy and Minnesota United share second place in the Western Conference.
First-year Minnesota coach Eric Ramsay has led his team to the best 10-game start in franchise history.
Minnesota (6-2-2, 20 points) is on a three-match winning streak, scoring at least two goals in each outing. The club enters well rested after last playing May 4 in a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United.
The Galaxy (5-2-5, 20 points) are fresh off a 2-2 tie Saturday at home against Real Salt Lake.
“Wish we could have had the points, but we move forward and we’ve got another one Wednesday,” said Galaxy forward Miguel Berry, who notched the tying goal in the 94th minute.
LA managed more than 20 shots against Real Salt Lake but had to rally from a 2-0 halftime deficit.
Minnesota United and the Galaxy have found offensive sparks.
Tani Oluwaseyi has scored in three consecutive matches for Minnesota. He has four goals in the past five matches and five goals on the season.
“He has obviously got more of a role to play than just his goals,” Ramsay said. “His work rate off the ball, the way he presses, the way he makes life very tough for central defenders.”
Oluwaseyi, who celebrates his 24th birthday Wednesday, is the youngest player in franchise history to score goals in three straight matches.
Riqui Puig assisted on both LA goals Saturday as his midfield play-making role has become more vital for the Galaxy, whose coach, Greg Vanney, is searching for a finishing touch on scoring chances.
Since scoring four goals April 21 against the San Jose Earthquakes, the Galaxy have been held to a total of two goals while going 0-1-2 during a three-match stretch.
LA is 1-2-1 in its past four road matches.
There will be a rematch in less than two months when the Galaxy plays host at Carson, Calif.
–Field Level Media