The Eastern Conference playoff bracket was set earlier in the day, and now the Western Conference side is clear after the dust settled on Sunday's Decision Day action.
The marquee matchup out West was a winner-takes-all clash between free falling Minnesota United and a climbing Vancouver Whitecaps side in front of a record crowd at Allianz Field in Saint Paul.
Minnesota had gone from eyeing a first round home match in the MLS Cup Playoffs to needing a result Sunday to even make the playoffs, but the Loons saved face with a 2-0 win over the Whitecaps to secure sixth-seed in the West.
Minnesota manager Adrian Heath had called on his side's experienced players to deliver in the big moment, and it was 29-year-old Argentine winger Franco Fragapane who got it done in the 17th minute with club talisman Emanuel Reynoso providing the assist.
Franco Fragapane strikes early for @MNUFC. #MNUFC // #DecisionDay pic.twitter.com/bOvCIVT5gr
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 9, 2022
In the 77th-minute, Mexico international Jonathan González put the match to rest with his first goal in MLS.
Jonathan González's first MLS goal is a huge one!
He might've just secured an @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs spot for @MNUFC.#MNUFC // #DecisionDay pic.twitter.com/2pbf8MNJPh— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 9, 2022
The reward for punching a ticket to the playoffs? The Loons will travel to Toyota Stadium to take on FC Dallas next weekend. Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake defeated Portland 3-0 to take the final spot in the West.
The Galaxy (Dignity Health Sports Park), Dallas (Toyota Stadium) and Austin (Q2 Stadium) get to host first round matches.
MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference
First round | Oct. 15-17
W4 LA Galaxy vs. W5 Nashville SC
W3 FC Dallas vs. W6 Minnesota United
W2 Austin FC vs. W7 Real Salt Lake
Conference Semifinals | Oct. 20, 23
W1 LAFC vs. W4/E5
W3/E6 vs. W2/E7
Conference Finals | Oct. 30
MLS Cup | Nov. 5
