Minnesota United faces San Diego FC in MLS playoff race showdown

Minnesota United will host San Diego FC on Saturday night in Saint Paul as they attempt to end a six‑match winless streak and improve their position for the final MLS playoff spot. The Loons sit ninth with a 6‑6‑5 record, three points ahead of San Diego, which is 5‑7‑5. Minnesota’s recent form includes a 0‑0 draw with Vancouver and a 0‑3‑3 run over the last six games, while San Diego comes off a 1‑0 home win over FC Dallas.

Key players for Minnesota include forward Kelvin Yeboah, who has scored eight goals this season, and Anthony Markanich with four. San Diego will look to Alejandro Alvarado Jr., who netted his first MLS goal after returning from knee surgery, and goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, who earned his first clean sheet. Minnesota coach Cameron Knowles emphasized the importance of solid defending to generate offense, while San Diego coach Mikey Varas praised Alvarado’s performance and the team’s overall play.