After a disappointing loss to Vancouver the week prior, the Loons returned to glory on Matchday 11 with a 3-0 shutout against Austin FC that knocked the formerly third-ranked El Tree down a few notches. A new formation for the Black and Blue saw Joaquín Pereyra and Robin Lod flanking forward Tani Oluwaseyi, a combo that proved lethal as both Pereyra and Lod had strong performances all around.

Pereyra kicked things off in the 22nd minute with a slide past Austin’s Ilie Sánchez that sent the ball right through keeper Brad Stuver’s legs. The goal was officially named an own goal from Sánchez. (I’ll die on the hill that Sánchez didn’t get a touch on that ball, but hey, I’m just the messenger.) Either way, Pereyra’s contribution is undeniable. He was on top of the ball throughout the full 90, managing well-placed passes and demonstrating phenomenal field awareness through Minnesota's classic low-possession approach.

Minnesota led 2-0 at 90 minutes, but to make even more of a statement, Pereyra hit an absolute banger from the top of the box one minute into stoppage time. The ball ricocheted off the post and right into goal — Stuver didn’t stand a chance. High pressure from Minnesota had Austin making an attempt to clear the ball that was shut down by Pereyra’s smooth settling, and he didn’t hesitate to make a powerful left-footed shot that secured the Loons’ statement win.

Pereyra leads Minnesota in assists this season and has already appeared on the Team of the Matchday once this season for his dynamic playmaking. He’s a force on the field and has successfully contributed to Minnesota’s second-place standing in the Western Conference, a good look for the Loons ahead of the U.S. Open Cup and this weekend’s matchup against Inter Miami.

F: Chucky Lozano (SD), Anders Dreyer (SD), Cristian Espinoza (SJ)M: Carles Gil (NE), Joaquín Pereyra (MIN), Dylan Chambost (CLB), Indiana Vassilev (PHI)
D: Nouhou (SEA), Tristan Blackmon (VAN), Marcelo Weigandt (MIA)
GK: Pedro Gallese (ORL)Coach: Wilfried Nancy (CLB)Bench: Matt Freese (NYC), Robert Voloder (SKC), Daniel Lovitz (NSH), Mohamed Farsi (CLB), Obed Vargas (SEA), Ryan Kent (SEA), Nathan Ordaz (LAFC), Chicho Arango (SJ), Christian Benteke (DC)