Five matches are left in the 2026 and with just 15 points able to obtain the playoffs are looking nearly out of reach for Minnesota United FC. 2026 has been a tumultuous year for the Loons from key players leaving, a coaching change just ahead of the season, and the sporting director leaving near the end of the transfer window.
Since the World Cup break ended the Loons have struggled to say the least. Minnesota has not won at all since 22 August in San Jose and have not won at home since 11 August. Though Minnesota's last home win in league play came all the way back on 18 April against Portland Timbers. Early in the season questions came in around the Loons ability to score. Since moving to a two at the top formation, that has become much less of a problem.
But at the same time the club exchanged it's top notch defence for said scoring. Minnesota has given up seven goals in their past three matches and 14 in their past five. Which includes giving up four goals to St. Louis City a little over a month ago. Cherrion Valerius has joined the club since that match took place and has been a solid performer on the back line. Should Valerius performances continue it should be an obvious decision for the club to make the move permanent.
Shutting down Rafael Navarro and St. Louis City's offence will be a key for Minnesota this afternoon. Should the Loons fail to shut down Navarro it will be a very long afternoon for the black and blue. The Brazilian striker is averaging one goal per match since joining St. Louis and has scored 17 goals between his time in Colorado and St. Louis.
Defensively St. Louis has done well this season thanks to work from defender Lukas MacNaughton and consistent performances from defensive midfielder Chris Durkin. Durkin though, is out today due to a concussion suffered this week. While goalkeeper Roman Bürki has had a bit of a down season, with only 4 clean sheets, but that hasn't harmed St. Louis this season as the club sits 2nd in the West.
News & Notes
MNUFC are 6-0-2 (W-D-L) all time against St. Louis City and have only lost to STL City in St. Paul once, back in 2013. St. Louis City on the other hand have not lost a match in any competition since early May of this year.
Peter Stroud has returned to partial training, but is not available for selection. Alec Smir is still out due to injury he sustained during the international break.
Wonderwall is having a march to the match starting at 2:30pm from the giant loon statue on the corner of Snelling & University. Pre-match Dark Clouds and Red Loons are gathering at Black Hart of Saint Paul and TNE at Midway Saloon.
TV time is set for 3:30pm this evening with kickoff happening at approximately 3:39pm. You can watch the match on Apple TV or listen on 1500ESPN.
Availability
MIN | Out: Alec Smir (lower extremity), Peter Stroud (lower extremity); Questionable: None
STL | Out: Chris Durkin (concussion), Celio Pompeu (knee) ; Questionable: Agustin Resch (lower body)
