MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minnesota United FC continued its strong run of form with a 3-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC at Allianz Field, pushing the club to 53 points through 26 matches.

The win strengthened Minnesota’s hold on first place in the Western Conference, extending its lead over Vancouver Whitecaps FC to six points.

The Loons struck first in the 34th minute when Joaquín Pereyra met a pass inside the box and finished first time inside the right post. Petar Musa doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, finding space near the top of the area before driving a low shot past the keeper.

Seattle briefly pulled back into the match in the 70th minute as substitute Benji Michel outran the defense and buried a right-footed finish inside the left post to make it 2-1. But any momentum was short-lived. Musa answered in the 77th minute with his second goal of the night, finishing from close range after a buildup through midfield.

Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair played a major role in preserving Minnesota’s advantage. He denied Cristian Roldan with a point-blank stop in the first half, then later turned away a dangerous strike from Jesús Ferreira in the 78th minute.

Seattle’s frustrations deepened late when Obed Vargas received a second yellow card and was sent off in stoppage time.