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Minnesota United Beat LAFC 3-1 to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Joaquín Pereyra scored twice and defender Cherrion Valerius added the first goal of his MLS career as Minnesota United won 3-1 at BMO Stadium on Sunday night to stay two points behind the final Western Conference playoff spot.

By Orbit Post2 min read
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Minnesota United Beat LAFC 3-1 to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Key points

  • Minnesota United beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 at BMO Stadium on Sunday night, keeping their MLS playoff hopes alive heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
  • Pereyra opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing off a throw-in to give Minnesota the lead with the first shot of the match by the visitors.
  • LAFC held a 22-6 advantage in shots and a 7-3 edge in shots on target, but the home side could not find a way through until the final minute.

Minnesota United beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 at BMO Stadium on Sunday night, keeping their MLS playoff hopes alive heading into the final weekend of the regular season. A loss would have eliminated Minnesota from contention. Instead, two goals in five minutes late in the first half and a second goal from Joaquín Pereyra in the closing stages gave the Loons a win that keeps their season going.

Two goals in five minutes

Pereyra opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing off a throw-in to give Minnesota the lead with the first shot of the match by the visitors. Five minutes later, a quick counterattack doubled the lead. Kelvin Yeboah headed the ball into the path of defender Cherrion Valerius, who volleyed home from close range in the 34th minute for the first goal of his MLS career, in his sixth appearance. The assist was the fifth of the season for Yeboah, a career high.

LAFC pressure goes unrewarded

LAFC held a 22-6 advantage in shots and a 7-3 edge in shots on target, but the home side could not find a way through until the final minute. Pereyra settled the match in the 81st minute with his fifth goal of the season, taking a pass from rookie forward Mauricio González and driving a low shot that deflected into the far corner past Hugo Lloris. Sergio Vásquez pulled a goal back for LAFC in the 90th minute, reacting quickest to a deflected cross and scoring with an overhead kick that went in off the post. It was his first goal for the club since signing in late August.

What it means

Minnesota (10-12-11) moved to 41 points and is unbeaten in six matches, with three wins and three draws. The Loons sit two points behind Seattle and Colorado in the race for the final Western Conference playoff place, with one match left to play. Minnesota hosts the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, on Decision Day, and needs a win plus favorable results elsewhere to reach the postseason.

LAFC (12-10-11, 47 points) had already clinched a playoff spot, but the loss cost the club a chance to finish in the top four and take home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. It was only the fourth home defeat of the year for LAFC in all competitions, and it ended a four match unbeaten run. Sixth in the West, LAFC closes the regular season at the Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

Timeline

  1. Nov 1, 2026Pereyra gives Minnesota the lead in the 29th minute at BMO Stadium, scoring off a throw-in.
  2. Nov 1, 2026Valerius volleys in the first goal of his MLS career in the 34th minute to make it 2-0.
  3. Nov 1, 2026Pereyra scores his second in the 81st minute and Vásquez answers in the 90th as Minnesota wins 3-1 and stays in the playoff race.

Sources