Minnesota Stuns LAFC 3-1 to Keep Its Playoff Dream Alive

Minnesota United kept its season alive in style on Sunday night, beating LAFC 3-1 at BMO Stadium in a result that reshaped the Western Conference playoff race.

Joaquín Pereyra scored twice for the visitors, opening the scoring in the 29th minute with a volley past Hugo Lloris from Minnesota's first shot of the game, then sealing the win in the 81st minute with a low left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

Cherrion Valerius doubled the lead just five minutes after the opener, volleying home from 10 yards out after Kelvin Yeboah headed the ball into his path. LAFC, who had already clinched a playoff berth, did not find the net until Sergio Vásquez's spectacular overhead kick in the 90th minute.

The numbers made the upset even more striking. LAFC held a 22-6 advantage in shots and a 7-3 edge in shots on target, but could not break through until it was too late. It was LAFC's first home loss in the league in some time, only their fourth home defeat in all competitions this year, and their first loss to Minnesota in Los Angeles since 2019.

The win lifted Minnesota to 10-12-11 and within two points of the final playoff spots, with one match remaining. Minnesota must now win at home against San Jose on Decision Day and hope for favorable results elsewhere, while LAFC, at 12-10-11 and sixth in the West, close the regular season at Seattle.