It was a pretty familiar look: back five, forwards mostly sitting back and not pressing, letting the other team have the ball and pass it ineffectively back and forth between the defenders, 60 yards from the goal.

A convincing 4-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday has the Loons sitting second in the West, two points below San Diego FC, while LA are sixth following a 2-0 triumph at home to Dallas. All season long Minnesota have been among the most consistent sides in this competition, finding a way to earn points time and again this year.