Minnesota United clinched its fourth playoff berth in four years on Sunday night, and I was at Allianz Field to try to capture the spirit of the thing for Sota Soccer.

The Loons are one of four teams to make the playoffs each of the past four seasons. Adrian Heath is one of two coaches to make the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. The Loons’ overall record - four appearances in their six MLS seasons - is tied for sixth in the league in playoff appearances in that span.

Is that enough stats to show that I think this is a pretty good accomplishment?

The Loons are collapsing, and the team’s effort went missing last week against San Jose. For Sota Soccer, I wrote about how it’s up to the players - nothing else - to get themselves out of this spiral.

I’m not ready yet to talk about the bigger implications of this weekend’s game, but I do know that if the Loons lose on Sunday, it would be awfully hard to argue against major changes with the team.

At Sota Soccer, I wrote about some suggestions for MLS’s alignment in 2023.

I can’t decide which is my favorite, but I do think that a two-conference league has grown a little unwieldy. I think my pick would be an NBA/MLB-style six-division setup, even though my map works out pretty poorly for the Loons - though this might just be because I enjoy wild changes in MLS.

After four losses and a draw in five games, there’s only one thing people want to know about the Loons: What the heck is wrong? I tried to answer this at Sota Soccer.

The short version: their defense is horrendously injured, their goalkeeping is average, and they don’t have enough depth to deal with injuries and suspensions up front.

Expected goals have been kinder to MNUFC lately than actual goals. In fact, according to xG, this has been one of Minnesota’s best stretches of the season.

Writing an article that’s solely based on stats is always a little bit dicey; there are always more numbers that paint a different picture than the one you imagine. That said, I think it’s interesting to contrast the past four games with MNUFC’s earlier losing streaks.

For Sota Soccer, I wrote about how you and I might panic after MNUFC lost two 3-0 games in a row - but that’s not really how the players on the field feel.

I’ve noticed this before. I’m prone to asking questions on the theme of “do you feel like you are on a rollercoaster that has lost its brakes and also you just noticed all the other passengers are alligators,” but that’s not really how pro athletes feel. They’re not overconfident, exactly, they just don’t see the value in worrying about what could go wrong; they’ll always trust themselves to bounce back.

For Sota Soccer, I wrote about Brent Kallman’s (injury-forced) return to the starting lineup, and about how the defender is a link to Minnesota soccer’s past.

It’s rough on Kallman, whose first two full games in this particular lineup stint were 3-0 losses. He needs to get back to full fitness soon, and knows it.

For Sota Soccer, I wrote about MNUFC attendance.

I’ve written about attendance a couple of times this year already and I swear I’m done - but I’m also done wondering how many people care about MNUFC.

For Sota Soccer, I wrote about MNUFC’s infusion of speed, thanks to new signings Ménder García and Alan Benítez - and the sudden rejuvenation of Franco Fragapane.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane is also mentioned, of course.

Today at Sota Soccer, I wrote about the joy of Emanuel Reynoso, of what he’s like on the field and why it’s so enjoyable to watch.