Minnesota United’s playoff push comes down to one final match

Minnesota United’s playoff push comes down to one final match By KSTP Sports United goalie Drake Callender previews must-win situation Saturday vs. San Jose Minnesota United goalkeeper Drake Callender knows the math. He knows the scenarios. He knows the Loons need help elsewhere around Major League Soccer’s Western Conference playoff race. But as Decision Day approaches, Callender says the focus is simple. Win. After a dramatic late-season surge that has kept Minnesota’s postseason hopes alive, the Loons enter Saturday’s regular-season finale against the San Jose Earthquakes needing three points and favorable results elsewhere to sneak into the playoffs. “It’s exciting,” Callender said. “It’s going to come down to Decision Day. I think the group feels like we’re going to do everything we can. All we have to do is win. It’s going to depend on other results as well, but what we’re in control of is just putting our best foot forward this last regular-season game.” ***Click the video box above to watch Callender preview Saturday’s matchup vs. San Jose*** Just a month and a half ago, few would have predicted Minnesota would still be in the playoff conversation. A six-match unbeaten run has transformed the mood around the club and given the Loons a chance heading into the season’s final weekend. Callender said the team has intentionally avoided getting caught up in all the playoff permutations. “The bottom line is it starts with you need to win,” he said. “If we don’t win, we’re not in.” That straightforward mindset has fueled Minnesota’s recent turnaround. The Loons enter Saturday unbeaten in six matches after enduring a stretch earlier in the season when results consistently slipped away. According to Callender, the roster never doubted its ability. “I think a lot of the group feels like we’re capable of pretty much beating any team in the league,” he said. “We’ve beaten really good teams. We’ve dropped points, unfortunately, in some tough moments. This last run, everyone kind of locked in and said that if we’re going to have a chance, we need to start winning some games.” The latest result was Sunday’s impressive 3-1 road victory over LAFC, one of Minnesota’s strongest performances of the season. While the win provided a critical three points, Callender admitted there was still some frustration after conceding a goal in the 90th minute. “It stings,” he said. “You want to finish the game strong. You don’t want to finish on conceding a goal in the 90th minute.” Still, he refused to let one late moment overshadow the bigger picture. “Most important is that we walked away with three points,” he said. “Overall, it was probably one of our best games collectively this year, away from home, on the road.” The recent success has also coincided with stronger defensive performances. Callender credits a collective commitment rather than any single tactical change. “I think it’s been a team effort,” he said. “We have all the pieces that we need to be a really good defensive unit.” For Callender personally, the season has represented an important fresh start. After limited playing time before arriving in Minnesota, he has established himself as a key contributor during the Loons’ playoff chase. “I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “It’s a really good group of guys here. I look forward to coming in every day. I look forward to playing at Allianz, going on the road and competing with the guys.” Now, with one match remaining, Minnesota’s fate hangs in the balance. The Loons cannot control what happens elsewhere around the conference. They can only control their own result against San Jose. And according to their goalkeeper, that is all the motivation they need. “If it falls our way, we’re in,” Callender said. “If it doesn’t, we just want to finish the season strong.” Below is a match preview, courtesy of the Associated Press: San Jose Earthquakes (14-9-10, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota United FC (10-12-11, 13th in the Western Conference) Saint Paul, Minnesota; Saturday, 6 p.m. LINE: Minnesota United FC -141, San Jose +301, Draw +313; over/under is 3.5 goals BOTTOM LINE: The San Jose Earthquakes visit Minnesota United in Western Conference action. United is 8-10-10 against Western Conference teams. United is 10th in the Western Conference with 154 shots on goal, averaging 4.7 per game. The Earthquakes are 12-7-9 in Western Conference games. The Earthquakes are ninth in the Western Conference with 156 shots on goal, averaging 4.7 per game. Saturday’s game is the second meeting between these teams this season. United won the last meeting 5-1. TOP PERFORMERS: Kelvin Yeboah has 18 goals and two assists for United. Marcus Caldeira has scored three goals over the last 10 games. Preston Judd has scored 16 goals with two assists for the Earthquakes. Jack Jasinski has two goals over the last 10 games.