Minnesota United delivered a performance of clinical precision and attacking intent on Saturday night at Allianz Field, dispatching Sporting Kansas City 3-0 in a match that reaffirmed their playoff ambitions and showcased the emerging star power of Anthony Markanich.

Eric Ramsay’s Loons dominated the contest from the outset, enjoying a slight edge in possession (52%) and registering 14 shots, seven of which tested Sporting goalkeeper John Pulskamp. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute: after a spell of patient buildup, Joaquín Pereyra sliced open Kansas City’s defense with a deft pass to Markanich, who finished calmly from close range to put Minnesota ahead.

Kansas City managed sporadic spells of pressure, but the defensive line anchored by Michael Boxall and the assured hands of Dayne St. Clair weathered the visitors’ advances. Sporting’s attacking duo of Dejan Joveljić and Mason Toye struggled to carve out clear-cut chances, limited to just three shots on target across the 90 minutes.

The contest swung decisively in the hosts’ favor during a ruthless four-minute spell in the second half. First, in the 59th minute, Pereyra—already pulling the strings in midfield—added his name to the scoresheet, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot home Minnesota’s second. Barely four minutes later, Markanich struck again, this time latching onto a slick pass from Nectarios Triantis and rifling beyond Pulskamp to complete his brace and all but guarantee the points for Minnesota.

Sporting Kansas City’s frustrations began to show, with Zorhan Bassong and Jacob Davis both picking up yellow cards amid a rash of late fouls (15 in total). Attempts to claw back a consolation—most notably Erik Thommy’s low drive in stoppage time—were foiled by St. Clair’s sharp reflexes.

With this result, Minnesota United climbed to second in the Western Conference, building momentum as the playoffs loom. Sporting Kansas City, meanwhile, saw their faint postseason hopes all but extinguished and will be left searching for answers after a night where their attack never truly factored.

Markanich’s two-goal display and Pereyra’s all-around influence were the clear highlights, as Minnesota’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing turned a potential playoff race stumbling block into a statement victory.

Watch the official match highlights on the Major League Soccer YouTube channel and Sporting Kansas City’s official channel for a closer look at all the key moments from Minnesota’s commanding win.