As you’ve likely heard through various media outlets, the internet, or various internet media outlets: Minnesota United FC have no chance against the LA Galaxy.

That’s probably because of all the Conference Semifinals matchups, our boys are the “most mismatched game” of this entire round. Admittedly, the opponents have a bevy of talent that have proven themselves to be dangerous, especially in the attacking third, with the likes of MLS All-Star playmaker, Riqui Puig, and 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year, Gabriel Pec, leading the way. As we found out earlier in the regular season, they are legit.

Along with Atlanta and both New Yorkers, we’re just one of those “nice little stories” for fans to root for, this is, until they face the real contenders that will impose their will on that “nice little story” and bring their season to a close. All that was left to say was, “Ta-ta, little clubs…now, please excuse Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, and FC Cincinnati, while they move on and face those bigger fish that were left to fry.” Right?

Ope, I nearly forgot, we’re also just “too flawed” to have anything but a brief, unsuccessful cameo in the postseason. The Loons didn’t have a plausible shot of advancing past a quality side like the Claret and Cobalt, especially with a top-tier player like Chicho Arrango that could heat up and wreak havoc at any moment. That’s why we should be looking towards 2025, when we can really make some noise in the postseason…or at least that’s what I had heard.

When you think about it, though, that’s been the story of this 2024 Loons team. From the start of the season to its predetermined end, we haven’t had what it takes to experience sustained success. From hiring a 32-year old with no head coaching experience, with the season already underway, to the dark times of the summer months in which there were more international breaks then winning results. As the season played out the way it did, those pundits and media personalities wouldn’t be crazy to predict such doom and gloom for a club with such uncertainties to navigate.

And, once again, here we are…the “little club that could” has once again flipped the script to change the course of their destiny. Candidly, LA Galaxy is a damn good club with plenty of talent to advance onto the next round of the postseason, and that’s why they are expected to win. But, with expectations comes pressure, and as far as the Loons are concerned, this squad is just fine with having nothing to lose and everything to gain.

So, yeah, we’ll be your underdogs with no shot, or however those predictors that get paid to predict things see it. In fact, I’m hoping they keep that same energy until we kick off on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT, because we absolutely can flip the script again. In what has been a season full of surprises, the Loons of 2024 have every chance to pull another one out of their hat.