BLAINE, MN – Jelle Van Damme and the LA Galaxy have felt energized by the change in “mentality” in recent weeks, and the Galaxy’s Belgian captain believes they’ll need to use that new mindset to get a win Sunday over Minnesota United.
The Galaxy put forth their best performance of the season last week when they earned a 3-1 road victory over the New York Red Bulls. Los Angeles face an entirely different trial on Sunday when they take on a Minnesota United squad that has allowed just one goal in their last three home games while amassing a 3-2-0 record at TCF Bank Stadium this season.
The Minneapolis venue’s turf surface has caused problems for opposition teams at times this season, but Van Damme is confident that the Galaxy can overcome adversity to extend their three-game unbeaten streak.
“It’s a challenge to us to build off what we did last week. We have to come out strong and show a great mentality on the road. We have to win our battles to go back to L.A. with three points,” Van Damme told LA Galaxy Insider. “We play fierce. We’ve played enough games on turf not to have that be an excuse. We know we can play well on turf fields. It’s just a mindset. If we’re ready physically and mentally, we’ll do well.”
Minnesota are led by the twin attacking tandem of Christian Ramirez (six goals and one assist) and Kevin Molino (five goals and three assists) this season. On heels of silencing New York’s Bradley Wright-Phillips a week prior, Van Damme is poised for the challenge that Minnesota’s pose.
“It’s all about focus and concentration. I always respect the players from the other team until the game begins. Once that starts, it’s all about myself and my team. It’s about winning games and focus,” Van Damme said. “Our mindset is better over the last few weeks. The only cure for getting out of the position that we were in is to win games. That’s why we play.
"We can feel it in the group. There’s more confidence, more strength, and we’re more to the point. That’s the best feeling and the best cure to solve our problems.”
