Matheus Nascimento and Joseph Paintsil scored as the Los Angeles Galaxy held on for a 2-1 win over visiting Minnesota United on MLS Decision Day on Saturday in Carson, Calif.
The loss ensures that Minnesota (16-8-10, 58 points) will finish in fourth place in the Western Conference. The Loons will host the Seattle Sounders in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
After winning the MLS Cup in 2024, Los Angeles (7-18-9, 30 points) plummeted to the fifth-lowest point total in the league. The disappointing campaign was defined by the Galaxy’s record 16-match (0-12-4) winless streak to begin the season, as well as an 0-10-7 road record.
Joaquin Pereyra scored five minutes into second-half extra time for Minnesota’s only goal. Seconds after Pereyra’s tally, LA midfielder Edwin Cerrillo was ejected on his second yellow card of the match to reduce the Galaxy to 10 men, but the home side managed to close out the victory.
Minnesota United picked up an apparent injury concern heading into the playoffs. Defender Morris Duggan left the match in the 41st minute, shortly after a collision with teammate Anthony Markanich.
Los Angeles took the early lead on Nascimento’s quick strike in the 12th minute. Nascimento had to stretch to collect a deflected pass in the box, but Nascimento still generated enough one-touch power with his right foot to fire the ball into the net.
It was the fourth goal for Nascimento in his first MLS campaign. The forward has dealt with some injuries, but has become part of the Galaxy’s starting lineup over the second half of the season.
Paintsil’s team-leading 10th goal extended the Galaxy’s lead in the 52nd minute. The striker’s first shot banked off the post, but the rebound went right back to Paintsil, who converted his second effort.
Kelvin Yeboah played 12 substitute minutes off the Loons’ bench after missing the last month due to a hamstring injury. Yeboah has nine goals this season, and his availability is a good sign for Minnesota’s postseason chances.
–Field Level Media
