Pereyra, Valerius help Minnesota United stay in postseason hunt with 3-1 victory over LAFC

Minnesota United secured a vital 3-1 victory over LAFC, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the Western Conference. Joaquín Pereyra led the charge with two goals, while defender Cherrion Valerius scored his first of the season. Kelvin Yeboah contributed a career-high fifth assist, and Nectarios Triantis added a third goal for Minnesota.

LAFC, already clinched a playoff spot, missed an opportunity to secure the top four position and home-field advantage in the first round. Sergio Vásquez scored an unassisted goal for LAFC in the final minute of regulation to avoid a shutout, marking his first goal in his sixth MLS appearance. Drake Callender made six saves for Minnesota United.

This win ended St. Louis City's record-tying 19-match unbeaten streak in the MLS and marked Minnesota United's second consecutive victory since a 3-2 win over them in mid-October. The match also saw Minnesota United end a 2-0-3 run during the month, while LAFC dropped to 9-4-4 at home. Minnesota United improved to 6-7-4 on the road, and they will host San Jose Earthquakes to close out the regular season.