The Minnesota Loons saw their record-setting 2025 MLS season end with a narrow 1–0 loss to San Diego FC in the Western Conference Semi-Final. Lineup changes, defensive grit, xG numbers, and what the performance says about MNUFC’s future.
Loons’ impressive 2025 run ends by the thinnest of margins
Every MLS season ends in heartbreak for all but one team, and this time it was the Minnesota Loons’ turn to feel that sting. Minnesota United’s 2025 campaign came to a close in California, where a cagey Western Conference Semi-Final finished 1–0 in favor of top-seeded San Diego FC.
It was a result that barely separates the two sides on the scoreboard and in the underlying numbers. For long stretches, the Minnesota Loons looked every bit the equal of the West’s No. 1 seed, only to be undone by a single moment of quality in front of goal.
Lineup tweaks and a disciplined game plan
Adjustments to the starting XI
Suspension and rotation forced Minnesota United into a couple of changes before kickoff. Anthony Markanich stepped in for the suspended Joseph Rosales, while Carlos Harvey replaced Jefferson Díaz in midfield. On the front line, Mikey Varas kept hot-handed Pellegrino in the XI and started Chucky Lozano on the bench, giving the Loons a mix of familiarity and fresh legs.
Those tweaks didn’t change the Loons’ identity. Minnesota came in with a clear idea: stay compact, frustrate San Diego FC, and strike on the break whenever space appeared.
First half: Minnesota Loons keep San Diego in check
San Diego, backed by a home crowd and their top-seed status, saw plenty of the ball early. The hosts dictated possession and tried to pull Minnesota’s block out of shape, but the Loons stayed disciplined.
Minnesota United’s backline and midfield screen read passing lanes well, broke up attacks, and turned defense into quick counters. On the rare occasions San Diego looked threatening, the Loons stepped in with key interventions and smart fouls in safe areas.
By halftime, the Minnesota Loons had generated the only shots on target in the match and walked into the locker room as the more satisfied side, having completely smothered San Diego’s rhythm through the opening 45 minutes.
Second-half swings and a moment of brilliance
Pilcher’s goal-line block wakes up the hosts
Minnesota came out of halftime aggressive, nearly finding the opener when Robin Lod forced a desperate goal-line save from Ian Pilcher. That sequence flipped momentum. By the 50th minute, San Diego FC had regained control, pinning the Loons back as Manu Duah repeatedly cleaned up long balls into the channels.
Dreyer’s finish decides the Semi-Final
With both defenses nearly flawless, it took a single spark to break through. Anders Dreyer capped a sharp passing sequence to score San Diego’s only shot on target – the goal that sent the hosts through. Minnesota threw on attackers and pushed late, but the final touch never came. Despite edging the expected goals battle, 0.77 xG to San Diego’s 0.70, the Loons still fell 1–0.
Loons exit with identity and belief intact
This Western Conference Semi-Final will be remembered as the narrowest of margins at the end of a record-setting year. Minnesota’s disciplined backline, organized game plan, and refusal to back down pushed the top seed to the brink. The result hurts, but the standard is set. Carrying this defensive steel and mentality into 2026, the Loons look less defeated and more prepared for a deeper playoff run.
