ST. PETERSBURG — A couple of controversial noncalls aided Minnesota United’s 3-2 victory over the Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Wednesday, just about ending Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes.

Minnesota’s Christian Ramirez added to his league-leading total with two goals.

A Fort Lauderdale tie or Rowdies loss Saturday eliminates Tampa Bay from playoff contention. The Rowdies (5-8-2 fall season) are winless in their past seven games.

Ramirez’s 19th goal was one the Rowdies thought should have never gotten off the ground. While Rowdies players eased up, feeling the ball had gone over the end line, Brian Kallman crossed it in toward Ramirez, who banged home the winner in the 58th minute.

“We have to play to the whistle there and not assume” said Rowdies coach Ricky Hill.

The visitors made it 3-1 when Juliano Vicentini got his first of the year in the 66th minute. Tampa Bay subs Lucky Mkosana and Casey Townsend combined for Townsend’s fourth goal of the season, but it came too late (90th minute).

With three games left, Minnesota (10-2-3) is one win or a San Antonio loss from clinching home field for the postseason.

After Minnesota dominated early, Tampa Bay gained some headway and, in the 27th minute, took a 1-0 lead when Blake Wagner’s through ball went to Georgi Hristov, who put it inside the left post.

Late in the first, Minnesota caught a break when a throw-in bounced over the defense and right to the feet of Ramirez for an easy conversion. Rowdies midfielder Keith Savage was in position to clear the ball but was shoved down by a Minnesota player.

Minnesota created more chances on the whole. Tampa Bay had a great one in the 56th minute when Hristov sprung first-time starter Luciano Olguin, but Matt Van Oekel stopped the attempt. Soon, Minnesota took the lead.

“On the balance of play, we shouldn’t have lost,” Hill said

On Saturday, Tampa Bay visits Atlanta, which is eliminated.

BRIEFLY

Minnesota’s Miguel Ibarra arrived at Al Lang on Wednesday after playing for the U.S. national team Tuesday night in Fort Lauderdale. Ibarra entered at the 60-minute mark.