Loons beat San Jose, but MLS Cup Playoffs bid falls short

Matt Blewett/Imagn Images By Andy Greder / St. Paul Pioneer Press Today at 9:05 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? ST. PAUL — Minnesota United did its part to make the MLS Cup Playoffs over the last three weeks, but its poor performances from May to late September kept it out of the postseason. A 3-1 win Saturday over San Jose at Allianz Field gave the Loons three straight victories, but only nine of a possible 48 points from May to the end of September was too big of a hole to dig out of. ADVERTISEMENT The Loons got the win they needed on Decision Day and received help from the Colorado Rapids losing to FC Dallas, but the Seattle Sounders beat LAFC to keep Minnesota out of the MLS Cup Playoffs. United (11-12-11, 44 points) miss the playoffs for the first time since 2023 and the fourth time in the club’s 10-year history in MLS. Nectar Triantis put in a shot from the top of the 18-yard box and it deflected off the post and goalkeeper Angus Gunn’s back and into the net in the 82nd minute. Triantis made it 3-1 with an individual effort through the San Jose defense in the 95th minute. A string of errors from Minnesota’s defense — Triantis, Owen Gene and Jefferson Diaz — allowed Niko Tsakaris to cut right down the middle of the field and set up striker Preston Judd for a goal to put San Jose up 1-0 just before halftime. Tomas Chancalay tied the game in the 58th minute with an incredible effort. He intercepted a San Jose pass, engaged in a give-and-go with Joaquin Pererya and sprinted to slot in a goal. MORE MINNESOTA LOONS COVERAGE: Pro How late surge made playoffs possible for Minnesota United A change in personnel and a shift in formation helped the Loons keep their postseason hopes alive 1d ago · By Andy Greder / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Minnesota keeps playoff hopes alive with 3-1 win over LAFC Minnesota (10-12-11, 41 points) improved to 3-0-3 in its last six matches and heads into Decision Day on Saturday two points behind Seattle and Colorado for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. 5d ago · By Field Level Media Pro Loons CEO’s top priority: Finding a new Chief Soccer Officer Christina Hennington is currently interviewing candidates, including interim CSO Hank Stebbins 6d ago · By Andy Greder / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Loons new CEO misses mark on fan question about club roster spending Minnesota United is 22nd in MLS roster spending and Christina Hennington gave no indication that will increase Oct 31 · By Andy Greder / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Loons stave off playoff elimination with win over Kansas City Mauricio Gonzalez scored the go-ahead goal in the 76th minute Oct 28 · By Field Level Media Pro Loons on verge of elimination from MLS playoffs With three regular-season matches left, the Loons could be eliminated from the playoffs as soon as Wednesday. Oct 27 · By Andy Greder / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Houston pulls out scoreless draw vs. Minnesota United Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made five saves and the host Dynamo salvaged a 0-0 tie with visiting Minnesota United on Saturday night. Oct 24 · By Field Level Media Pro Michael Boxall doesn't want end of Loons’ season to be his swan song MNUFC’s all-time leader in appearances is out of contract and end of 2026 season Oct 23 · By Andy Greder / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Minnesota United rallies past St. Louis City; snaps 21-match unbeaten run Marcus Caldeira scored the go-ahead goal in the 86th minute as Minnesota United rallied from an early 2-0 deficit to snap St. Louis City's record 21-game unbeaten streak with a 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon in Saint Paul, Minn. Oct 17 · By Field Level Media Pro Skidding Loons to host surging St. Louis City on Saturday St. Louis has set an MLS unbeaten streak, while Minnesota United is winless in eight straight Oct 16 · By Andy Greder / St. Paul Pioneer Press Text Example ____________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? 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