If there was ever a season that Minnesota United FC should feel good about its MLS playoff possibilities, this is it. The Loons challenged for the Western Conference title before finishing fourth, earning home field in the best-of-three first-round series against the fifth- seeded Seattle Sounders. Minnesota defeated Seattle on two occasions during the regular season. But all is not trending well for the Loons heading into Monday's opener in St. Paul, Minn. After a disappointing semifinal defeat at home in the U.S. Open Cup, Minnesota went just 1-2-1 to conclude the MLS season. The Loons dropped a 2-1 decision to the lowly Los Angeles Galaxy on Decision Day when a higher seed was in reach. "There's a sour taste in our mouths that will ultimately put us in a better place for the playoffs,"

See Full Page