MLS Playoff Race Heating Up
Only a few days remain in the 2025 MLS regular season, and it’s fair to say that there are quite a few intriguing storylines that are playing out.
Over in the Eastern Conference, all nine teams have secured their playoff spots with time to spare, whilst Philadelphia Union has secured the Supporters’ Shield title. But in the West, there’s still plenty left to be decided. And for MLS bettors who are looking to find the best casino bonus options, they’ll find quite a few interesting options to put their money on.
As things stand, Austin FC sit sixth in the West, level on 44 points with Portland Timbers, three points above FC Dallas, four above Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids, and six above San Jose Earthquakes. Vancouver leads the West with 63 points, three above San Diego, five above Minnesota, seven above LAFC, and 11 above Seattle Sounders. Whereas those five teams have secured their playoff spots, the other four are up for grabs.
It should be noted that, out of the 30 teams in MLS, 28 have just one game left to play. The exceptions are LAFC and Austin, who will face off today in Texas. Austin, having narrowly missed out on a first-ever trophy after losing to Nashville in the U.S. Open Cup Final, have the chance to seal their playoff status with a draw against LA.
All things considered, it’s shaping up to be an enthralling Decision Day, with 16 teams facing off at 4 p.m. Eastern time on October 18 and 14 facing off at 7 p.m. Charlotte will need to avoid defeat at home against Philadelphia in order to secure fourth place and ensure having homefield advantage in a potential first-round clash with New York City FC, or Nashville, or Orlando. Atlanta and D.C. United will face off in a battle between two of the worst teams in MLS, whilst Columbus will be seeking to end a four-match winless streak with a victory against already-eliminated New York Red Bulls and potentially move out of ninth place.
Cincinnati will need to defeat Montreal at home in order to assure themselves of second place in the East, whilst Orlando will be looking to come away with a victory in Toronto. Orlando sit seventh in the East, one point above Chicago and two above Columbus, and they’ll be looking to finish in the top seven in order to avoid playing in the wild-card round. New York City FC will be looking to come away with a win at home against Seattle, whilst Chicago will be looking to come away with a victory in New England. Inter Miami, who sit third in the table, will be looking to take three points from their upcoming clash against Nashville.
As for the later games, Real Salt Lake need to win at St. Louis in order to assure themselves a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, whilst Portland will be looking to prevail with a victory against San Diego. In order to qualify for the playoffs, Dallas will need to defeat a Vancouver side that has won its last three, whilst San Jose are in need of a win vs. Austin as well as unfavorable results for Colorado, Salt Lake and Dallas in order to sneak into the playoffs. LA Galaxy will be vying for a second-straight home win vs. Minnesota, whilst Sporting Kansas City will be taking on Houston at home, and Colorado will be going up against LAFC.
All things considered, it’s shaping up to be a can’t-miss Decision Day in Major League Soccer.