Cameron Knowles highlighted Minnesota United’s victory over Los Angeles FC as “one of the most crucial” of the season, solidifying their playoff aspirations.
As Minnesota prepares for their Decision Day match against the San Jose Earthquakes, they’re two points shy of a postseason spot, with multiple other teams also in contention.
Only three points separate six teams heading into the final regular-season match, with LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers, and Colorado Rapids currently holding playoff positions.
Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota each need to win their last games to have a chance at qualifying, while the Loons are on a positive trajectory recently.
Unbeaten in their last six MLS matches (W3 D3), Minnesota’s most recent game saw them triumph over LAFC 3-1, featuring a two-goal performance from Joaquin Pereyra.
“This might be one of the most significant wins for sure,” Knowles commented about the LAFC victory. “We came here knowing we needed to win. With three games left, we said we couldn’t afford to lose any.”
“It was understood that it was a must-win game, and we backed up our previous result against a strong opponent. Now, we’ve put pressure on the teams ahead of us, giving us hope as we head into the final game of the season.”
Had certain results turned out differently, Minnesota could have faced elimination before playing at BMO Stadium, and Knowles expressed relief that the outcomes fell in their favor before they dispatched LAFC.
“We analyzed the matchups and thought the odds weren’t in our favor, but it turned out to be possible. Once the games were played and the players recognized we had a shot, they delivered what was needed. The team is highly motivated right now,” Knowles added.
nothing cloudy about the mission https://t.co/LTqZ5KSRB6
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) November 4, 2026
While Minnesota is feeling the pressure, San Jose arrives already confirmed in the postseason, potentially finishing as high as second in the Western Conference.
The Earthquakes recently hindered RSL’s playoff chances with a 2-1 win at PayPal Park, featuring all three goals scored within a thrilling 23-minute stretch.
Goals from Ousseni Bouda and Benji Kikanovic led the charge, but San Jose coach Bruce Arena is aiming for a strong finish to the regular season against Minnesota, hoping to gain momentum for the playoffs.
“This wasn’t one of our strongest performances, as we played better at home in our last match,” Arena noted. “But we have to give Salt Lake credit—they played exceptionally well.
“Overall, I’m satisfied with the three points. We want to carry this momentum into Minnesota and perform well, although I recognize the challenge that presents.
“Who knows what the weather could be like there this time of year? We might end up playing in a snowstorm.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Minnesota United – Joaquin Pereyra
Pereyra scored twice against LAFC, marking his fourth and fifth goals of the season and bringing his total to 19 goal involvements this year (14 assists).
This places him second on the Loons’ roster, behind leading scorer Kelvin Yeboah, who has 23 contributions, including 18 goals and five assists.
An exclamation point, courtesy of Joaquín https://t.co/NREfbjFjAU
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) November 2, 2026
San Jose Earthquakes – Ousseni Bouda
Bouda made headlines with a second-minute free-kick goal against RSL, marking his first direct free-kick score of the season and ranking as the third-fastest goal for San Jose this year.
That was his seventh goal this season, making him second on the Earthquakes’ scoring list.
MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN
Minnesota has not lost to San Jose in their last seven regular-season encounters (W5 D2) and has been undefeated at home against them since 2018. Since then, San Jose has managed only one win against Minnesota (in 2022).
The Loons are on a roll after their recent victory over LAFC, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches (W3 D3) after previously losing five in a row.
Conversely, San Jose’s recent 2-1 win over RSL involved two goals in the first 17 minutes, with the Earthquakes being the highest-scoring team in that timeframe with 15 goals.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Minnesota United – 46.5%
Draw – 26.5%
San Jose Earthquakes – 27%
Fan Take: This matchup is pivotal for fans as it encapsulates the tension and excitement of the playoff race, highlighting the unpredictability of MLS. A potential upset or dramatic finish could elevate the sport’s profile and engage even more fans in the closing stages of the season.
Source: www.soccernews.com
