Allianz Field hosted its final regular season match of 2025 as Minnesota United welcomed Sporting Kansas City. The Loons gave their fans a perfect send-off, capitalizing on their chances in a 3–0 victory. A brace from Anthony Markanich and a tidy finish from Joaquín Pereyra gave the Loons all three points.

Sporting Kansas City, who were already eliminated from playoff contention, were looking toward the future under a new head coach. For Minnesota, the story was about locking up a home playoff berth and potentially securing top spot in the West. Though results elsewhere dashed their hopes of finishing atop the Western Conference — with San Diego mounting a late comeback in their own match against Houston— the Loons ensured Allianz Field will host at least one postseason game.

Markanich opened the scoring midway through the first half getting on the end of a Pereyra free kick to direct a header past the Kansas City goalkeeper. Dayne St. Clair showed his shot stopping ability to deny former Loon Mason Toye from leveling for SKC before Minnesota added a second. Pereyra reacted first to a parried shot from Robin Lod to slot home and make it 2-0. Minnesota put the game away in the 63rd minute with their third goal. Nectarios Triantis turned provider by sending in a lofted cross into the box to be met by Markanich, which brought the leftback’s tally for the season up to 9, an impressive haul for a defender. Summer additions as well as fan-favorite Hassani Dotson also gained valuable minutes off the bench. The only blemish was Markanich’s injury in the second half, which forced him off after his standout performance.

The win allowed the home crowd the chance to belt out Wonderwall as Allianz Field officially bids farewell to regular season action and turns its sights on the playoffs. 

Minnesota now turn their focus to the regular season finale — Decision Day — on October 18th, when they travel to Carson to face the LA Galaxy after the international break. The Galaxy, who have been eliminated from playoff contention and sit last in the Western Conference, handed the Loons a resounding loss in last year’s MLS Cup playoffs on their way to lifting the trophy. On the back of a disappointing 2025 season, the Galaxy will be playing for pride as Minnesota United look to cement their second place position in the West.

​​After 33 matches, Minnesota sit in third place in the Western Conference with 58 points. With one match remaining, their fate depends on how LAFC (56 points, two games in hand) and Vancouver Whitecaps (60 points, one games in hand) fare before Decision Day. Both clubs could still leapfrog the Loons into the top three, or even the top spot, depending on results, but they will both likely have to face their games in hand without some key players due to the international break.

As it stands, Minnesota would face Austin FC in the opening round of the playoffs. Other potential opponents include Seattle, Portland, Dallas, or Real Salt Lake. Each presents a unique challenge:

• Austin FC — a chance at revenge after the U.S. Open Cup heartbreak. Though Austin fell in the final to Nashville.
  
• Seattle Sounders — historically Minnesota’s bogey team, though the Loons have flipped the script this season.
  
• Portland Timbers — a familiar rival who handed the Loons their first ever MLS defeat in their opening match.
  
• Dallas or Salt Lake City — unpredictable wild card opponents, but ones who the Loons would welcome.
  

Whatever the draw, coach Eric Ramsey’s side has proven their resilience. With one of the league’s stingiest defenses and a balanced attack, the Loons enter the postseason with momentum and belief. They say defense wins championships — if so, Minnesota should feel confident about their prospects.