Seven matches are left in the 2026 MLS season and time is of the essence for Minnesota United. After results from the last round of play, before the international break, MNUFC are now seven points out of the playoffs. Houston on the other hand have not clinched a spot, but have it nearly secured. With 44 points, Dynamo are 12 points ahead of the 10th place team in Portland, putting Dynamo in a much better spot than the Loons.
Coming off the international break MNUFC are on a down swing. Five consecutive matches lost and six matches since their last win in the league. Minnesota United also hasn't won at home since before the World Cup break. All of this has added up to a team with 29 points, sitting in 14th place in the West, and 26th overall. Only 21 points remain up for grabs on the season and with the Loons sitting seven points below the playoff line, time is running short. A loss to Houston wouldn't kill their playoff hopes, but getting in will be hard to say the least.
MNUFC
Coming out of the international break, MNUFC are missing a few pieces for the Houston match. Joaquín Pereyra is out and backup goalkeeper Alec Smir came back from international duty with an injury. The loss of Pereyra is a huge one for the attack as the Argentine leads the team in assists with ten. Losing offensive power is tough, especially as the club deals with defensive woes as of late. Minnesota has allowed ten goals in just the past three matches.
Minnesota United has also struggled at home in 2026, with only two wins coming at Allianz Field. With six draws at home the team has left 12 points on the table. If the Loons could have won three of those, the club would be just one point under the playoff line. On the upside, the Loons are a fantastic 7-2-1 at home against Houston, since Minnesota joined MLS. The Loons only home loss to Houston was in April 2024.
As of late Houston Dynamo have been so-so with a 2-2-1 record in their last five, with their last win coming just over a month ago against RSL. For Minnesota to get a win though, they will need to shut down the Dynamo offence. Guilherme has solidified himself as Houston's top offensive threat. The 31 year old Brazilian has notched 14 goals and 6 assists in his first season in Houston, topping both categories and total points. Defensively the club has mostly been solid, with Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond earning 10 clean sheets and allowing an average of just 1.2 goals per match.
News & Notes
MNUFC are 11-5-8 (W-D-L) all time against Houston Dynamo and 2-6-5 at home this season. A win for the Loons would be their first home league win since 18 April and second consecutive win against the Dynamo.
Alec Smir returned from international duty with injury, while Joaquín Pereyra picked up a knock and are out for this weekend. Due to the injury, Pereyra may not make the Colorado trip either. Peter Stroud still has not returned to full training.
Wonderwall is having a march to the match starting at 6:30pm 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 7:30pm this evening with kickoff happening at approximately 7:39pm. You can watch the match on Apple TV or listen on 1500ESPN.
Availability
MIN | Out: Joaquín Pereyra (lower extremity), Alec Smir (lower extremity), Peter Stroud (lower extremity); Questionable: None
HOU | Out: Héctor Herrera (suspended), Jimmy Maurer (back) ; Questionable: Agustin Resch (lower body)
