Carlos Vela scores as LAFC plays to draw with Minnesota United

LAFC's Carlos Vela passes the ball during a 1-1 draw with Minnesota United FC on Sunday.

By Associated Press

Sept. 29, 2019 7:45 PM PT

ST. PAUL, Minn. —

Michael Boxall scored the tying goal with a no-look header in the 75th minute for Minnesota and Loons tied MLS-leading Los Angeles FC 1-1, but fell short of securing a home game for the first round of the playoffs.

Jan Gregus sent a free kick flying over the defense, and Boxall knocked it in with a leap that had his back turned to goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega. Carlos Vela matched the MLS season goal record with his 31st in the 70th minute for LAFC (20-4-9). Vela tied the mark set last year by Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez.

Minnesota United (15-10-8), which beat Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night to clinch a postseason spot in for the first time since joining the league as an expansion club in 2017, finished 10-1-6 at home in its first year at futuristic Allianz Field.

LAFC clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield trophy for the best regular-season record by beating Houston in its last match Wednesday night.