Alex Bader
The Minnesota Loons and the LA Galaxy tied 3-3 in the final regular season game, the draw was enough to get the Loons into the playoffs for their third straight season.
It was another decision day in the Major League Soccer season for Minnesota United. In a completely jam-packed western conference, the Loons needed to win or draw to get into the playoffs.
If Minnesota United were to lose, they would be at the mercy of results around the league. So, to keep it easy and simple, the Loons needed a win or draw to guarantee a playoff berth.
After several rough road performances this season, the Loons would need to have their best performance on the road if they wished to go to the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Galaxy were just as desperate coming into the game. A win for them would guarantee their spot in the playoffs, if they were to lose or draw they would be at the mercy of other results.
It was going to be a huge game, both teams had a lot on the line.
Minnesota United came out in the first half and completely dominated the game.
They took the game to the Galaxy. It was Minnesota who looked like they were the home team.
After a Galaxy corner, Romain Métanire found the streaking Adrien Hunou and played a beautiful through-pass, Hunou finished it in the far right corner, as calm as ever. The Loons had the 1-0 lead with 22 minutes played.
Minnesota continued to pressure and got rewarded with the quick 1-2.
It was Robin Lod who doubled the lead for the Loons with 34 minutes played in the game. Boxall took a bike attempt at the net and went wide but Lod was there to put it away. Minnesota looked comfortable and the Galaxy were in disarray.
It must have woken Los Angeles up because they started to press the final 10 minutes of the half.
Tyler Miller made several great saves to try to keep the clean sheet.
However, the Galaxy were able to put one past Miller in stoppage time of the first half. The Galaxy continued to look threatening and had another great chance to tie the game up before halftime.
Luckily, the Loons held on and went into the break with the lead, 2-1.
United had 41 percent of the possession in the first half. Minnesota also had two shots on target compared to the Galaxy's four.
Minnesota had six corners compared to the Galaxy's two.
The Galaxy started the second half very strongly. They pressed Minnesota and forced Miller to make several saves.
Six minutes after the second half started, the Galaxy tied the game at 2-2 on a goal by Javier Hernández Balcázar.
The Galaxy continued to press and had several chances to take the lead.
With 62 minutes played in the game, Adrien Hunou caught a break and crossed the ball into the box. It deflected off of a Galaxy defender and into the goal and put Minnesota up 3-2.
Minnesota caught a break and found themselves leading and in a good spot to grab a playoff berth.
The Galaxy needed the win more. They continued to press in the second half and were the more desperate team - they were playing like it too.
The Galaxy got rewarded and tied the game at 3-3 at the 75-minute mark of the game.
There were 15 minutes left to play in regulation. Buckle Up.
Finlay came on for Hunou after the goal.
At the 87-minute mark, Franco Fragapane shot the ball into a defender and went off the hand of a Galaxy defender - penalty shot for the Loons.
Fragapane lined up for the PK, he hit the post and the game stayed tied.
Real Salt Lake scored a goal late in their game to beat Kansas City, the Galaxy were out of the playoffs as of now. If Minnesota looses, they are out of the Playoffs.
There were six minutes of stoppage time to play - it would feel like six hours.
Minnesota dropped back and started to park the bus.
The Galaxy was playing desperately and pressing with everything they had.
Miller had to step up and make several big saves.
After a nerve-racking finish to the game, it was the Loons who punched their ticket to the 2021 playoffs. The Galaxy will be watching from home.
Minnesota United had the better of the play in the first half but fell apart in moments during the second.
It was a gutsy win on the road and just the type of win that could propel this team to go on the road and make a playoff run.
Colorado finished top in the West and they get the first round bye. Minnesota finished 5th and will travel to Portland in their first playoff game. Seattle hosts RSL and Kansas City hosts Vancouver.
BADER'S TAKE
Impressive.
After dropping the first four games of the season, the Loons showed resilience by climbing their way back into the playoff picture and grabbing another playoff berth.
The Loons got big wins down the stretch with tonight and last weekend over Kansas City, they are riding into the playoffs feeling very good about their game.
Minnesota will need their front four starters Reynoso, Lod, Hunou, and Fragapane available if they want a chance. When these four players are healthy and playing, Minnesota creates more chances and gets more goals.
We also need Tyler Miller to be better when called upon. He made another poor attempt at a shot and let in a lousy goal. He has been great all season but United will need him to be better if they are to make a run on the road.
Minnesota beat Portland both times this season, including once away from home. That should provide confidence to go steal a win.
This team is buzzing right now but am I confident they will go far? No.
They played a great first half but they let the Galaxy hang around and were holding onto dear life at the end of the game. They will need to make sure to play a full 90 plus in the playoffs to have a chance.
What's Next:
Minnesota United (5th) at Portland Timbers (4th) date and time are TBD.
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