MLS Cup Playoffs 2025: Bracket, Key Matchups, adn Stars to Watch
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The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are officially set, with 18 teams – nine from each conference – battling for a chance to lift the trophy on December 6th. After a dramatic Decision Day, the postseason field is established, promising a thrilling run to the championship. All matches will be available to Apple TV subscribers via MLS Season Pass.
Wild Card Round Sets the Stage
The competition kicks off with high-stakes Wild Card matches on Wednesday, October 22nd, featuring a direct elimination format between the #8 and #9 seeds in each conference.These games will determine who advances to the Frist Round – a best-of-three series beginning on Friday,October 24th.
Eastern Conference Wild Card Showdowns
Two Eastern Conference teams will fight for their playoff lives in the Wild Card round.
- Chicago Fire FC (8) vs. Orlando City (9): Chicago returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, under the leadership of head coach Gregg Berhalter and fueled by the play of Philip Zinckernagel (15 goals, 15 assists), a strong contender for “Hire of the Year.” Orlando, despite a recent four-game winless streak, boasts the notable form of Martin Ojeda, who has recorded 16 goals and 15 assists this season. Chicago will host this crucial knockout game.
- Portland Timbers (8) vs. Real Salt Lake (9): Portland enters the Wild card round after a challenging end to the season, winning only once in their last ten games. They will rely on key players like David Da Costa and Kristoffer Velde to turn their fortunes around. Real Salt Lake secured their spot thanks to a 2-2 draw on Decision Day,with Victor Olatunji scoring a brace. Diego Luna is the team’s star player.
First Round Matchups: Eastern Conference
The Eastern conference First round promises intense battles between top contenders.
- Columbus Crew (1) vs. New York red Bulls (8/9): Columbus enters the playoffs with momentum,having won six of their last eight games. Lionel Messi, the MLS Golden Boot winner with 29 goals and 19 assists, is a strong contender for the Landon Donovan MVP award.However, Nashville, reminiscent of Atlanta United’s upset last year, could pose a threat with the dynamic duo of sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar (40 combined goals).
- Charlotte FC (4) vs. New York City FC (5): Charlotte secured home-field advantage with the best home record in the league (13-3-1).Though, they will be without Wilfried Zaha for the first match due to a red card on Decision Day, opening the door for Matt Freese and Alonso Martinez to make an impact.
First Round Matchups: Western Conference
The Western Conference First Round is equally stacked with talent and intrigue.
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2) vs. FC Dallas (7): Vancouver bolstered their squad with the signing of german legend Thomas Müller, who has 8 goals and 4 assists in eight games across all competitions. They will face a Dallas team that finished strong, going 5-1-4 in their last ten games, with Petar musa stepping up after the departure of Luciano Acosta.
- LAFC (3) vs. Austin FC (6): LAFC’s attack has surged as the arrival of Son Heung-Min in August, with the Korean superstar contributing 9 goals and 3 assists in 10 games. He has formed a potent partnership with Denis Bouanga (24 goals), the second-highest scorer in the Golden Boot race. Austin will rely on All-star goalkeeper Brad Stuver and midfielder Owen Wolff (15 goal contributions) to challenge LAFC.
- Minnesota United FC (4) vs. Seattle Sounders FC (5): Minnesota has maintained a consistent presence near the top of the Western Conference, securing home-field advantage at Allianz Field. Seattle, fresh off winning the Leagues Cup, brings championship pedigree, with key players like cristian Roldan, Obed Vargas, and Albert Rusnak.
The 2025 MLS Cup playoffs promise a captivating journey filled with compelling matchups, star power, and the pursuit of championship glory.
