So, you’re saying there’s a chance?
Heading into October, the odds strongly favored Minnesota United finishing near the cellar in the Western Conference rather than earning an MLS Cup playoff spot.
But thanks to a surprising six-match unbeaten run, the Loons (10-12-11, 41 points) have playoff aspirations heading into Saturday night’s Decision Day match with San Jose in Saint Paul, Minn.
Just three points separate six Western Conference teams heading into the regular-season finale, with the Los Angeles Galaxy (seventh place, 44 points), Portland Timbers (eighth, 43) and Colorado Rapids (ninth, 43) currently holding the playoff spots. The Seattle Sounders (10th, 43 points) and the 12th-place Loons need positive results to have a chance to make the postseason. In a complicated scenario, Real Salt Lake (11th, 42) could get in with a draw.
Considering where they were heading into October, Minnesota United are just happy to be invited to the Decision Day party.
“We have given ourselves a chance and put some pressure on the teams ahead of us,” Loons coach Cameron Knowles said. “It gives us hope going into the last game of the season.
“This season could have been dead and buried from five games ago, six games ago. (The players) have just continued to push and believe and trust each other and keep working, so really happy.”
Minnesota kept its playoff hopes alive with a 3-1 victory at Los Angeles FC last Sunday. Joaquin Pereyra led the way with a brace, and Cherrion Valerius scored his first MLS goal.
San Jose (14-9-10, 52 points) enters the contest in third place in the Western Conference and comes in off a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake last week. The Earthquakes would clinch a top-four finish and home-field advantage in the best-of-three Round 1 series with a win, a draw or a loss by seven goals or less.
San Jose jumped to a 2-0 lead against Real Salt Lake on goals by Ousseni Bouda and Benji Kikanovic in the first 17 minutes.
“Ultimately, I’m pleased with the three points,” Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena said. “We want to carry some momentum into Minnesota and play well, although I know that will be challenging.”
–Field Level Media
