MLS: Manu Duah, San Diego FC shut out Minnesota to advance

Rising defender Manu Duah and San Diego FC are through to the Western Conference Finals in the MLS Cup Playoffs after Monday evening’s 1-0 victory over Minnesota United.

ANDERS FREAKIN’ DREYER*

AKA EL PALETERO pic.twitter.com/FvGnhFUxzG

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) November 25, 2025

Anders Dreyer’s 72nd minute strike was enough for the Southern California club, who are in the final four in their first year of existence. A strong performance from the defensive line clinched the victory, with Duah continuing to play a key role in his first season as a professional.

The Ghanaian, who was selected as the first overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft after playing one year at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has now started the last eighteen matches for the club. He missed the first three months of the season due to injury but has gradually established himself as a dependable option in the heart of the defense.

Now the 20-year-old and San Diego are only one win away from competing for silverware. The club finished top of the Western Conference during the regular season and are translating their success to the most important phase of the campaign.

SDFC will face Vancouver Whitecaps on November 29, with the winner advancing to the MLS Cup Playoffs final where they will face either Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami FC or New York City FC from the Eastern Conference. San Diego have already qualified for next season’s CONCACAF Champions Cup as the winners of the Western Conference.

Duah now has made 21 appearances in all competitions during his first season. The Ghanaian, who featured mostly as a defensive midfielder in his university days, has successfully moved back to the center of defense where he has locked down a regular role.]

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