Minnesota United’s Season Hinges on Saturday’s Win in Saint Paul
The Loons need a victory over San Jose and specific results elsewhere in the Western Conference to secure a playoff spot.
By Talia Bennett ·
Minnesota United FC plays for its life on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Allianz Field. A win against the San Jose Earthquakes is mandatory if the Loons hope to extend their season beyond the regular schedule. The team currently sits in 13th place in the Western Conference with a record of 10 wins, 12 losses, and 11 draws.
Goalkeeper Drake Callender emphasized that the squad focuses exclusively on its own performance rather than the complex web of other results. The Loons have gone unbeaten in their last six matches, a streak that has shifted the atmosphere around the club. Callender stated that the bottom line is simple: if they do not win, they are out of the running.
The recent momentum was solidified by a 3-1 road victory over LAFC on Sunday. That game marked one of the team's best collective efforts of the year, although Callender admitted the 90th-minute concession still stings. He noted that the roster feels capable of beating any opponent in the league after dropping points in several tough moments earlier in the campaign.
Defensive stability has improved alongside the offensive surge. Callender attributed this to a collective team effort rather than a single tactical adjustment. The squad has utilized all available pieces to form a strong defensive unit during this late-season push.
Minnesota faces the Earthquakes, who hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 14-9-10 record. San Jose is favored at +301 on the betting line, while Minnesota is listed at -141. The teams met earlier this season, with Minnesota winning that encounter 5-1. Preston Judd leads San Jose with 16 goals and two assists, while Kelvin Yeboah has 18 goals and two assists for Minnesota.
This matchup marks the final regular-season game for the Loons. They must defeat San Jose and rely on favorable outcomes in other Western Conference games to advance. Callender said the group is prepared to put their best foot forward, accepting that the final decision lies partially outside their control.
The odds for Saturday's match include an over/under of 3.5 goals. Minnesota has recorded 154 shots on goal this season, averaging 4.7 per game. San Jose has recorded 156 shots on goal, also averaging 4.7 per game. The result of this game will determine whether Minnesota’s six-game unbeaten run leads to a playoff berth.
