Pereyra, Valerius lead Minnesota past LAFC, 3-1

Minnesota United FC entered the match one point behind the playoff line, a gap that shrank after Sunday night's result. The team from the Twin Cities defeated Los Angeles FC 3-1 in a game that kept its postseason hopes alive with one regular season match remaining.

Joaquin Pereyra provided the offensive spark, scoring twice. Cherrion Valerius added a goal that marked his first in the professional game. The victory improved Minnesota United's record to 10 wins, 12 losses, and 11 draws. The win put the team within two points of a Western Conference playoff spot.

Pereyra opened the scoring in the 29th minute. He finished unassisted off a throw-in. Valerius extended the lead to 2-0 in the 34th minute. It was his first goal in his sixth MLS appearance. Kelvin Yeboah recorded his fifth career assist, while defender Nectarios Triantis added his third of the season.

The score became 3-0 in the 81st minute. Pereyra scored again, assisted by rookie forward Mauricio Gonzalez. It was Perez's fifth goal of the season. LAFC avoided a shutout in the final minute of regulation. Sergio Vasquez scored unassisted for his first goal in his sixth MLS appearance.

Goalkeeper Drake Callender made six saves for Minnesota United. Hugo Lloris did not record a save for LAFC, which ended a four-match unbeaten streak. Minnesota United had previously ended St. Louis City's record-tying 19-match unbeaten run with a 3-2 win in mid-October.

The result moved LAFC to a 1-0 win record in Minnesota during late April. LAFC's home record dropped to 9-4-4. Minnesota United's road record improved to 6-7-4.

Minnesota United hosts San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday to close out the regular season. Los Angeles FC travels to Seattle Sounders for its final match that same day.