Four matches are left in the 2026 MLS campaign and as the season nears it's conclusion, Minnesota United are still below the playoff line. But after taking down St. Louis City, who came into last weekend on a historic unbeaten run, there is not a single shred of doubt in the dressing room of making the playoffs. Every player, coach, and staff that have spoke to the media all have the same mentality. We can beat any team in this league and we showed it last weekend.
Though a trip to the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs is not entirely up to the Loons now. Coming out of last weekend the Loons with 34 points now sit five points back from ninth place Colorado Rapids. MNUFC are six points out of eighth place and eight points back from seventh place Seattle Sounders. But the club is not in control of their own destiny. Should Minnesota United win out, it still may not be enough to make the playoffs depending on other results. Something manager Cameron Knowles acknowledged following Tuesday morning's training session.
"Of course. We keep saying the road is running out, and we're going to take points, and we're taking them," manager Cameron Knowles said following defeating St. Louis. "We took care of the game in front of us, and now the next task is to do the same thing. One game at a time. Take care of the one that is in front of us.”
The one that is in front of the Loons now is a trip to Houston, a place where Minnesota hasn't struggled to win, but where it has been a challenge. MNUFC are 4-3-7 (W-D-L) in the Space City and are 1-1-1 in their last three matches in Houston, with the Loons last win happening in 2023. With a draw against Dynamo recently a win isn't a stretch and would put the Loons on a four match unbeaten run and two match winning streak.
"We just got to raise the standard and we can't be surprised that we just won. We all still believe we can make playoffs. We just have to win every game now," said defender Morris Duggan. "And it sounds hard, but I think with this group, it's possible. So we're not just happy. We have a clear goal in mind. This will give us the fire to do it.”
