Hlongwane’s team out of MLS playoffs

Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s Minnesota United were eliminated from the Major League Soccer playoffs on Monday (Tuesday morning SA time) as hosts San Diego beat them 1-0 in the Western Conference semifinal.

It means the end of the season for the former Maritzburg United striker, who earlier the same day was included in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco next month.

Hlongwane has led the attack for Minnesota for most of the season, but on Monday was shifted to his alternate role at right back, which has been fulfilling since the beginning of the year.

Anders Dreyer scored his fourth goal of the MLS Cup playoffs midway through the second half to see San Diego to victory. His 23rd goal in all competitions helped San Diego become the first expansion side to reach a conference final since Nashville in 2020.

San Diego would become the first expansion side to reach the MLS Cup final since Chicago Fire in 1988 if they defeat Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference final on Saturday, also at home.

The loss completes a frustrating year for Minnesota, in which they also lost in the US Open Cup semifinals.