With five games to go in the regular season, Minnesota United had a chance to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday.

The Loons fell behind on an own goal in the 80th minute, but Wil Trapp lofted a great pass to Robin Lod to score on in the 85th minute.

The 1-1 draw with Portland at Allianz Field meant MNUFC needed help to clinch a postseason spot and Minnesota got it with Colorado losing to Kansas City on Saturday night.

Second-place Loons (14-6-9, 51 points) and sixth-place Portland (10-9-8, 39 points) each netted a point.

Portland midfielder Antony’s shot from an acute angle in the 80th minute was touched by Loons goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair but the ball bounced in front of goal and center back Nico Romero accidentally put it into the Loons net.

Saturday’s match had a somber opening with fans staying silent for the opening two minutes to honor the two children slain in the Minneapolis church shooting on Wednesday. Then they broke into “You Are My Sunshine” before going into their regular in-game chants.

On the field, the Loons didn’t give them much to cheer for in the first half.

Early in the second half, Minnesota nearly scored on two attempts in quick succession in the 49th minute, but Joaquin Pereyra’s shot was denied by goalkeeper James Pantemis and Robin Lod’s rebound went off the post.

The Timbers started its new Designated Players — midfielder Felipe Carballo and winger  Kristoffer Velde — while Minnesota’s top new additions in the summer transfer window — attacking midfielder Dominik Fitz and defensive midfielder Nectarios Triantis — are still awaiting work visas.

New Loons striker Momo Dieng, who the club brought in from Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship to backfill for Tani Oluwaseyi, made his debut in the 77th minute.

MNUFC’s striker Kelvin Yeboah didn’t have a big impact on the game with only one shot and was taken off for Dieng.

In July, the Loons were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Portland after giving up a 92nd-minute equalizer at Providence Park. Anthony Markanich scored for Minnesota in the 77th minute, but couldn’t hold onto the lead.

Briefly

Loons goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich has been called up to the U.S. Under-19 men’s national team camp. He has been a regular during United’s first team training sessions. … MNUFC won’t play during the upcoming international break, returning to MLS action at first-place San Diego on Sept. 13.