With seven games to go, we’re now entering the final fifth of the MLS regular season.



Minnesota United has seen its chance at the MLS Cup Playoffs come and go, a fate sealed firmly in the final minutes of a home match against the Seattle Sounders. The game was poised to be a perfect place to build momentum, against a visiting side that was at the time just below the Loons in the table. Beating the Sounders could’ve ignited a spirited chase to get over the red line and into the postseason ahead of schedule. With an extended slate of away fixtures, it’d only be an uphill task from there. Going into the 88th minute, the team was 1-0 up.



Then Seattle was awarded a penalty kick after a hand ball. Then Nicolas Lodeiro converted from the spot, dropping Minnesota’s haul from three points to one. And then …



Uff da.



Every game that’s followed has seen Minnesota brandish the underdog tag. In part, that’s because the...