MLS Standings: Minnesota United Clinches Playoff Berth With 3-1 Win

Joaquín Pereyra scored two goals to lead Minnesota United to a 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The win secured a Western Conference postseason berth for the Minnesota club, which now sits two points behind the cutoff with one match remaining on its schedule.

The match began with an early surge by the visitors. Defender Cherrion Valerius scored the opening goal in the 34th minute. It marked his first goal in his sixth Major League Soccer appearance. The assist came from Kelvin Yeboah, who recorded his fifth career assist in the game. Defender Nectarios Triantis also collected an assist, adding to a total of three for the season.

Pereyra extended the lead to 3-0 in the 81st minute. He finished a pass from rookie forward Mauricio González, who recorded his second assist of the season. This goal marked Pereyra's fifth of the campaign. Los Angeles FC, which had already locked in its own playoff position, managed to avoid a shutout in the final minute. Sergio Vásquez scored an unassisted goal, his first in his sixth MLS appearance.

Goalkeeper Drake Callender made six saves for Minnesota United during the match. Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper for Los Angeles FC, did not face a save. The result ended a four-match unbeaten streak for the home side. Minnesota United had recently snapped St. Louis City's record-tying 19-match unbeaten run with a 3-2 win in mid-October.

The season record for Minnesota United now stands at 10-12-11. The club improved its road record to 6-7-4 with the win. Los Angeles FC fell to 9-4-4 at home despite the loss. The LAFC squad had previously beaten Minnesota United 1-0 in late April.

Minnesota United will host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday to conclude its regular season. Los Angeles FC will travel to Seattle to face the Sounders on the same day to finish its slate of games.