Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo said he was pleased to see his team secure back-to-back league wins as they continue to play catch-up in the MLS. 

Cherundolo's team took part in the revamped Club World Cup, but fell at the first hurdle after finishing bottom of their group, which included eventual winners Chelsea. 

LAFC went into the tournament on a nine-game unbeaten run in league play, but returned to domestic action with a 1-0 defeat at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

However, LAFC have bounced back in their last two matches, beating the Colorado Rapids before earning a 3-0 success over FC Dallas last time out. 

Cherundolo was happy to see his team return to winning ways ahead of a huge clash against Minnesota United, with both sides battling it out at the Western Conference summit. 

"There is rhythm, that is great to see. There is confidence. That is also good to see," said Cherundolo.

"But it is well-earned, I think. There have been a lot of good moments in training sessions where I think we have grown and realised some things as a group that we need to sharpen up and maintain in order to sustain performances and results.

"We have done this for two nights in a row, and we hope to continue that against Minnesota."

Cherundolo also spoke about forward Nathan Ordaz. The 21-year-old has scored in each of his last two matches, leading the attacking line from the start in both games.

"He [Ordaz] has progressed. Progression happens in waves; I think more importantly he has sustained that level," he said. 

"I think at his age it is really important to sustain that level, at the highest level possible for him right now, and that is very encouraging.

"So now we can focus on the details and the next steps, but he has made a big jump this year and that is a great sign for him personally and us as an organisation too."

Minnesota are second in the West, eight points ahead of sixth-placed LAFC, though they have played three games more than their opponents.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota United – Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi

Oluwaseyi has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in MLS this season, bettering his figures from last year (eight goals, five assists).

With a goal and two assists in Minnesota's win over the San Jose Earthquakes, Oluwaseyi became the first Loons player in over a year to contribute to three goals in a regular-season match.

Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga

Bouanga has been in great form for LAFC this season, providing 10 goals and seven assists in 18 MLS matches.

Bouanga was involved in both goals in LAFC's win over Dallas (one goal, one assist), the 18th time since the start of the 2023 season he's been involved in multiple goals in an MLS match, second only to Evander (19) in that time.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

LAFC have won three of their last four meetings with Minnesota (L1), including two in a row for the first time ever. All three of those wins came at home, however, as LAFC have never recorded an away win over the Loons (D4 L2).

Minnesota have won four of their last five matches (D1), including the last three in a row, the Loons' second three-match winning streak in all competitions this season. 

LAFC have won one of their last 12 away matches in all competitions (D4 L7) dating back to last season's playoffs, including going seven straight on the road without a win. 

Minnesota, however, have the fifth-best home record in the West, picking up 21 points from 11 matches. They have also scored 23 goals and conceded 13 in that time.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Minnesota United – 35.9%

Draw – 26.1%

Los Angeles FC – 38.0%