SAINT PAUL, Minn.-- They left it till nearly the last minute, but the Loons defeated the visiting Sporting Kansas City 2-1 and clinched the club’s first-ever playoff berth. Sporting KC came to Allianz Field with a similar game plan as many of those who have threatened to take points from the Loons – defend in a deep block and hit on the counterattack with pace. The strategy almost paid off for the visitors as a first half goal from Botond Baráth inside of six minutes stood until the 71st minute when Osvaldo Alonso finally broke through the SKC resistance. Heading into the 90th minute, both sides threatened with multiple chances to win the game but it was Hassani Dotson who came to the rescue for Minnesota United. A deflected shot bounced past the outstretched hands of Tim Melia to give the Loons a very late victory that clinched their first-ever playoff berth.
