Triantis stole a Mile-High point but can he do it against SKC?

Another flat Minnesota United FC performance, this time at Colorado Rapids, was redeemed by Nectar Triantis this past weekend, allowing Loons fans to breath a sigh of relief – the blow of shared points lessened by the fact that the Loons have already clinched a playoff berth. But with two big matches to go in the regular season, each against teams with nothing to lose, the final home match of the year this weekend looms large.

Saturday, September 27: Colorado Rapids 1 – 1 MN United FC

Goals: Rafael Santos (45+1), Nectar Triantis (65´)

Positives:

• No cards for Minnesota! After being issued a whopping 11 cards in previous 3 league matches, the Loons finally had a good day at the office, discipline wise. Minnesota ranks 5th in fouls committed per match at , but are in the bottom third in yellow cards issued.
• Hassani Dotson returned to play for the first time since a meniscus tear, replacing Wil Trapp in the 84th minute.
• Dayne St. Clair tallied 7 saves and kept his xGA (Expected Goals Against) to 0.0.
• Nectar is bold and will go far with the Loons if this attitude continues.
• Minnesota are now unbeaten in their last nine matches away from home

Negatives:

• Minnesota displayed no depth and was unable to find any cohesion with a make-do formation.
• A near complete lack of offense has seen MNUFC tally just 7 shots on target in their previous two matches with a combined 1.67 xG
• There is no pretending anymore – Tani Oluwaseyi did more than tally goals.

Saturday, October 4: MNUFC (3rd) vs Sporting Kansas City (14th)

While the Supporters’ Shield is now out of reach for Minnesota, the #1 seed in the Western Conference is not out of the realm of possibility. Down just two points from West leading San Diego FC, the Loons have secured their spot in the playoffs. They also do have a chance to finish with 61 points, if they win their final two matches. After losing eight of their last ten matches, Sporting Kansas City they are already guaranteed to miss the playoffs for the second year in a row, but aim to play spoiler to the Loons playoff seed ambitions.

MNUFC has historically struggled with Sporting KC, with the Loons being 9-5-14 (W-D-L) against SKC across all competitions since joining MLS in 2017. However, the shoe has been on the other foot the previous two seasons with SKC having lost three of the last four meetings. With their last win over Minnesota coming in October 2023 on Decision Day after MNUFC had sacked Adrian Heath just weeks prior to that match.

Saturday night is fan appreciation night for Minnesota United FC and we also want to thank you the readers and especially our wonderful patrons for supporting us. We have some great plans and developments for 2026 that will mean more content here and at our sister site Northern Lights Football.

Availability

MIN | Out: Carlos Harvey (Leg), Kelvin Yeboah (thigh), Hoyeon Jung (SEI) ; Questionable: None

SKC | Out: Andrew Brody (quad), Shapi Suleymanov (suspended) ; Questionable: Manu Garcia (quad)