LOS ANGELES -- As the 2025 MLS season kicks off, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) will host Minnesota United FC at BMO Stadium in a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown. LAFC, coming off a dominant 2024 regular season, enters the new campaign with a deep and well-balanced roster built to handle the challenges of a packed schedule that could see them play up to 50 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Minnesota looks to continue its resurgence under head coach Eric Ramsay and make an early statement against the defending Western Conference champions.
LAFC’s Star Power and Depth
LAFC’s success this season will be driven by their attacking talisman, Denis Bouanga. The 2023 Golden Boot winner and two-time Best XI selection is on the verge of making history, as he has the chance to become the first player in MLS history to record three consecutive 20-goal seasons. His partnership with newly signed French striker Olivier Giroud—France’s all-time leading goal scorer—will be a key factor in LAFC’s offensive production. If the two develop strong chemistry, the Black & Gold could have one of the most dangerous attacking duos in MLS.
"Beyond their star power, LAFC has built a deep squad capable of meeting the demands of a grueling season. With key departures like Cristian Olivera to Grêmio and Mateusz Bogusz to Cruz Azul, reinforcing the roster became a top priority. LAFC’s recent additions—Jeremy Ebobisse, a proven goal scorer with 60 career goals; defensive anchor Nkosi Tafari, who made 25 starts for FC Dallas last season; dynamic wingback Yaw Yeboah; and Glendora native and former LA Galaxy player Mark Delgado, who offers the versatility to play both as a defensive midfielder and central midfielder—bring much-needed quality and depth. Their presence helps fill the void left by Bogusz and Olivera, positioning LAFC to compete at a high level across multiple fronts in 2025."
Minnesota’s New Era Under Ramsay
Minnesota United is yet to play a competitive match in 2025, having only featured in four preseason friendlies, including a narrow 1-0 loss to NYCFC at the Coachella Valley Invitational on February 15. The Loons are coming off a transitional year in which they parted ways with longtime head coach Adrian Heath and appointed 32-year-old Eric Ramsay, the youngest coach in MLS history.
Ramsay’s impact was immediate, guiding Minnesota to a 6W-1L-1D record after August 30 and leading them to an upset victory over Real Salt Lake in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Their postseason run ended in the Conference Semifinals against eventual champions LA Galaxy, but the Loons’ sixth-place finish in the Western Conference (15W-12L-7D) showed their potential under new leadership.
Key Players to Watch for the Loons
Midfielder Robin Lod remains a cornerstone for the Loons, having been named Team MVP in 2024 after tallying 22 goal involvements (7 goals, 15 assists). Lod also became Minnesota’s all-time leading goal scorer with 32 career goals, solidifying his importance to the squad.
Minnesota’s attack is further bolstered by Designated Player Kelvin Yeboah, who arrived from Italy’s Serie A last summer and made an immediate impact. The 24-year-old Ghanaian striker quickly became one of the league’s most feared forwards, netting seven goals in eight regular-season starts and adding two goals and an assist in the playoffs. His ability to challenge defenses will be crucial as Minnesota looks to test LAFC’s backline.
Head-to-Head History
The series between LAFC and Minnesota United has been tightly contested, with LAFC holding a slight edge at 4W-3L-5D. The Black & Gold have outscored the Loons 18-16 across their meetings.
Last season, Minnesota defeated LAFC 2-0 at home with goals from Lod and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, while LAFC responded with a win in Los Angeles, powered by a Denis Bouanga penalty and a stunning 30-yard strike from Mateusz Bogusz—an effort that was later nominated for MLS Goal of the Year.
Minnesota has struggled historically at BMO Stadium, with their last win there dating back to 2019. That victory remains notable as it was the only home loss suffered by LAFC during their record-breaking Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign that year.
Final Thoughts
With LAFC eager to assert their dominance and Minnesota looking to make an early statement, this season opener promises to be a thrilling contest. The Black & Gold’s high-powered attack, depth, and ambitions for another title run will be tested against a Minnesota side determined to build on last season’s progress. As two Western Conference contenders collide, all eyes will be on BMO Stadium to see which team sets the tone for 2025.
