Minnesota United FC took minimal consolation from the fact that its playoff position remains intact despite a 1-0 home loss Saturday against Jacksonville.
An announced sellout crowd of 9,402 fans at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine saw Minnesota (10-11-6) concede a goal in the 88th minute to Matt Bahner.
Jacksonville (4-12-11) earned its first victory since Aug. 13. Minnesota, meanwhile, fell for the fourth consecutive time, a run of bad results not seen since 2013.
However, the Loons maintained their hold on the fourth and final playoff spot in the combined North American Soccer League standings. Tampa Bay and Miami FC played to a 1-1 draw Saturday, the preferred scenario for Minnesota because each team only gained one point.
The Florida-based teams and Minnesota all have 36 points, but the Loons still hold the fourth spot based on the tiebreaker of goal differential.
Minnesota travels Wednesday to Tampa Bay for a midweek match with playoff implications.
djoles@startribune.com Minnesota United FC and Jacksonville Armada FC Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CNVODL7UCS4M3OLHG65I3V5A6I.jpg?&w=1080)
