Minnesota United Defeats San Diego FC, Tightens Western Conference Race
ST. PAUL, MN – September 13, 2025 – Minnesota United secured a decisive 3-1 victory over expansion side San Diego FC Saturday night, bolstering their playoff positioning and closing the gap in the Western Conference standings. Goals from substitutes Anthony Markanich and Carlos Harvey, alongside a debut goal and assist from Nectarios Triantis, propelled Minnesota United to a win against the conference leaders.
The result sees Minnesota United (15-6-9) move within two points of first-place San Diego (17-8-5) with just four regular-season matches remaining. Both teams have already qualified for postseason play,but the outcome significantly impacts the race for home-field advantage and the Western Conference crown.the win underscores Minnesota United’s strength as a contender and sets up a crucial final stretch of the season.
Markanich broke a scoreless deadlock in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a feed from Joaquín Pereyra for a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Markanich’s eighth of the season, with seven coming in the current campaign.Pereyra’s assist was his 10th of his first full season in the league.
Harvey extended the lead shortly after, scoring with assists from Triantis and Kelvin yeboah – his third of the year. Triantis then added his name to the scoresheet in the second minute of stoppage time, further solidifying Minnesota United’s advantage. San Diego managed to avoid a shutout when Jeppe Tverskov scored his second goal of the season three minutes later.
Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair delivered a strong performance, totaling 12 saves. CJ dos Santos recorded two saves for San Diego.
Minnesota United will return to action at home next Saturday against the Chicago Fire, while San Diego travels to face Atlanta united.
