Minnesota United scores three in 20 minutes to snap Kansas City winless streak
The Loons defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in St. Paul, securing a necessary win to stay in the playoff race.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Minnesota United defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 on Wednesday night in St. Paul.
Mauricio Gonzalez scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute during a late surge that produced three goals for the home team in the final 20 minutes. This comeback prevented the Loons from being mathematically eliminated from the postseason. Anthony Markanich and Kelvin Yeboah also found the net, while goalkeeper Drake Callender made two saves. The victory improved Minnesota's record to 9-12-11, giving them 38 points.
Sporting Kansas City had taken a 1-0 lead earlier in the match. Taylor Calheira scored the opener in the 31st minute by drilling a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner after receiving a deflected pass at the top of the box. It was Calheira's fifth goal of the season. The visitors failed to extend their lead in the 64th minute when Andre Luiz's shot from the right side of the box hit the post.
The Loons equalized in the 72nd minute. Joaquin Pereyra delivered a corner kick that Markanich headed into the net for his ninth goal of the year. Four minutes later, Gonzalez took a pass from Nectarios Triantis, dribbled left, and shot into the bottom right corner. This goal marked the 79th conceded by Kansas City this season, surpassing the MLS single-season record of 78 set by the San Jose Earthquakes in 2024. Yeboah added the final goal in the 88th minute, scoring his 18th of the season with a right-footed shot from the edge of the six-yard box.
The result leaves Kansas City with a 6-22-4 record and 22 points. The team has lost four straight matches and is winless in its last six games this month. Stefan Cleveland made five saves for the visitors, while Calheira provided the only offensive output for the squad that currently sits in last place.
Minnesota United faces Los Angeles FC on Sunday. The team enters that match with a chance to keep its playoff hopes alive following a 0-0 draw against Houston last weekend. A loss to Kansas City would have ended the Loons' postseason bid, making this victory essential for their remaining schedule.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
