A single mistake just past the 30 minute mark had Minnesota United fans feeling more deja vu. But three (nearly four) second half goals from the black and blue took Minnesota United over the line to defeat SKC 3–1. The win keeps Minnesota's playoff hopes alive, but now two more wins and a lot else going right is needed for MNUFC to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.
With a draw behind and four matches unbeaten, manager Cameron Knowles kept his lineup from Saturday in Houston, TX intact. Kansas City made a single change to their eleven as the former Wizards wind down their possible wooden spoon campaign.
Lineups are in. #MNUFC: If it ain't broke.... No changes from Saturday's Houston draw. #SportingKC: Wicky makes one midfield change from their last match, with Bartlett replacing Bassong in the center of the park. Owen Wolff is available off the bench.
— Northland Soccer Journal (@northlandsoccer.com) 2026-10-28T23:50:48.227Z
While Minnesota controlled the first half of play on the stat sheet, the one place they did not was on the scoreboard. The Loons had seven shots with two on target and 15 touched inside the SKC box. Even the momentum and pace of play was controlled by the hosts. Minnesota United showed they were in many ways the better club on the pitch.
But one mistake by the Loons led to a 31st minute Sporting Kansas City goal. Nectarios Triantis deflected a ball into the attacking third that Kansas City's Taylor Calheira got too first. Just inside the top of the box Calheira put it past Drake Callender.
Minnesota nearly capitalised on their momentum immediately after the second half started. In the 47th minute the Loons struck home but following a VAR review it was called back due to a foul by Nectarios Triantis. That was immediately followed by a bit of a yellow card fest with multiple MNUFC players being booked in relatively quick succession.
It took longer than wanted but Minnesota eventually answered back in the 72nd minute. Joaquín Pereyra sent in a corner and Anthony Markanich slipped into the box in specter like fashion and headed home the tying goal.
Four minutes later Triantis found Mauricio González, who moved into clear space and put a second goal in for Minnesota United. Just over ten minutes after González's 72nd minute goal the Loons found the back of the net again. Minnesota's third and final goal was a strike inside the box from Kelvin Yeboah after a low cross into the box from Tomás Chancalay.
With their final away match of the season ahead on Saturday the Loons now prepare to face Los Angeles FC on Saturday night. With the Loons playoff hopes still alive and a five match unbeaten streak, Saturday is another win-or-die match for Minnesota United as a loss or draw can end the Loons playoff hopes.
