Fabrice-Jean Picault scored a pair of first-half goals as the Philadelphia Union cruised to a 5-1 victory Saturday over visiting Minnesota United FC to clinch a berth in the MLS playoffs.
The Union (15-12-5, 50 points) advanced to the playoffs for the second time in the past three seasons and the third time in the club's history and also moved past the Columbus Crew, who lost earlier Saturday, and into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Minnesota (11-17-3, 36) saw its three-match unbeaten streak come to an end and was officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Loons' struggles on the road continued as they fell to 1-13-2 away from home this season.