Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay has labelled their upcoming clash against San Diego FC as "the decisive game of the year".

With just five regular-season matches to go, Minnesota trail Western Conference leaders San Diego by just five points heading into this match.

Both teams enter this game in similar form, each winning two of their last three matches and drawing the other, but San Diego are unbeaten in their previous six MLS fixtures.

Ramsay is relishing the chance to be part of a game that could also be decisive for the Supporters' Shield, but was slightly frustrated that it comes after an international break.

"We always enjoy these weeks [international break] because you get to work with typically about 14 to 16 senior players, and I think the work is always really good and intense, and you get a feel of real progression there," said Ramsay.

"But then you also get a chance to look at other players in a touch more detail, and obviously we're integrating one or two of the new boys.

"It's been good, but it's not obviously without its frustrations because you're leading into what is now just undeniably the decisive game of the year in terms of the Western Conference style and Supporters' Shield standings.

"So it's sort of a shame that it's come in the build-up to this game in particular, but we've certainly made the most of it, and we've really enjoyed the time on the grass."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Diego FC – Anders Dreyer

Anders Dreyer (one goal, one assist) was involved in both goals in San Diego FC's win over Los Angeles FC last time out, taking him to a league-best 31 goal contributions this season (14 goals, 17 assists).

Dreyer is one goal away from becoming the seventh player in MLS history with 15 goals and 15 assists in a season.

Minnesota United – Kelvin Yeboah

Following Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi's summer transfer to Villarreal, Kelvin Yeboah will need to step up for the Loons.

Yeboah has scored on nine occasions, including three match-opening goals, but has not found the back of the net in MLS since a 2-1 win over St. Louis City SC on July 26.

MATCH PREDICTION – SAN DIEGO FC WIN

San Diego's 2-1 win over Los Angeles FC was their 17th victory of the regular season, equalling St. Louis for the second-most wins by an expansion team in MLS history. Only Chicago Fire (18 in 1998) have recorded more outright wins (excluding breakaway shootouts) among expansion teams.

Minnesota are unbeaten in seven-straight regular-season away matches (four wins, three draws), including winning each of their last two. This is the Loons' longest road unbeaten run in regular-season MLS.

Minnesota have also lost just one of their five all-time away matches against expansion teams (three wins, one draw), only losing at LAFC in 2018. The Loons have not allowed a goal in their last three road games against MLS newcomers dating back to 2020.

San Diego won their previous meeting against Minnesota in June 4-2, thanks to two goals and an assist from Dreyer.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Diego FC – 44.8%

Draw – 26.9%

Minnesota United – 28.3%