Since going on a five match losing streak that was part of a longer eight match winless skid, the Loons have come back strong. Six matches unbeaten with three wins in that span has kept Minnesota United in the playoff race all the way into Decision Day 2026. Last Sunday the Loons took a massive upset win at LAFC to keep the playoff dream alive. Today though it's all what happens on the pitch, score monitoring won't be as big of a thing today as at least two teams need to lose in order for Minnesota to make the playoffs.
Part of Minnesota's recent success has been the increase in scoring since the end of summer. Kelvin Yeboah has been on fire as of late and has now taken the MLS-era scoring record with 18 goals scored. Anthony Markanich and Marcus Caldeira have combined for another 16 goals and helped the Loons get to one of their best scoring seasons in team history. Joaquín Pereyra has also increased his total assists from nine last season to twelve with one match remaining.
Without the recent success of the offence, none of this run could have happened. One key change that Cameron Knowles has made this year is moving towards a 4-4-2 system. The extra player up top has pulled defenders away from Yeboah which has allowed him to break out more due to the support from Caldeira.
Defensively the Loons are right in the middle third of the table, allowing an average of 1.7 goals per match. That number is brought up a bit by the 6–0 loss and a match where the Loons allowed five goals against Portland. Even the expected goals, interceptions, tackles, and clearance numbers are in the middle of the league. But as Morris Duggan has attained more experience, both with and without longtime centreback Michael Boxall, the club has started to reverse the course defensively. Duggan mentioned that the players are much more comfortable playing a four at the back formation, which he attributed to helping the club turn the season around.
Timo Werner will return to the pitch for the 'Quakes this weekend after being suspended the last match. Werner is just one piece of an offence that if left open could give the Loons a lot of trouble. Preston Judd has sixteen goals while Werner, Niko Tsakiris, and Beau Leroux have combined for 21 assists. With all three and Ousseni Bouda available the 'Quakes could make a rough night for Minnesota. Defense for the 'Quakes has been a different story with San Jose allowing 48 goals this season and sit in a very similar spot as Minnesota in terms of defensive statistics. MNUFC showed they can exploit those weaknesses in their last meeting with San Jose, when they took down the 'Quakes 5–1 in the Bay Area.
News & Notes
MNUFC are 10-4-6 (W-D-L) all time against San Jose, and 4-2-2 when playing San Jose at home. The Loons are also unbeaten against the Earthquakes in matches when a baby makes it's way onto the pitch.
Ahead of tonight's match we spoke with defender Morris Duggan. You can watch the full interview over on our YouTube channel.
Full scenarios for MNUFC to clinch are listed below. All include the Loons taking three points and at least two other teams in the Western Conference falling. There is a possibility that Minnesota United could take the eighth seed and host the Western Conference Wildcard match.
Wonderwall will have a March to the Match today, beginning at 5pm from the Loon statue at the corner of Snelling and University. Prior to the match Dark Clouds and Red Loons will be at Black Hart of Saint Paul while TNE will be at Midway Saloon.
TV time is set for 6pm tonight with kickoff happening at approximately 6:09pm. You can watch the match on Apple TV or listen to it on 1500 ESPN.
Availability
MIN | Out: Wil Trapp (concussion protocol) ; Questionable: None
SJ | Out: DeJuan Jones (lower body), Nonso Adimabua (lower body) ; Questionable: None
