MLS Decision Day Insights: Teams Fighting for Playoff Spots
As the MLS regular season concludes, several teams vie for the remaining playoff positions, with thrilling scenarios playing out across the league.
The final day of the MLS season is here, and there’s plenty to play for. The Eastern Conference has confirmed all nine playoff spots, while the Western Conference features suspense with four teams competing for the last two playoff positions. Bruce Arena aims to guide the San Jose Earthquakes into the playoffs, seeking to join Gregg Berhalter as a former USMNT coach leading MLS teams that missed the playoffs last season.
Qualified for playoffs
Eastern Conference: Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, Inter Miami, Nashville SC, New York City FC, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union
Western Conference: Austin FC, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United, Portland Timbers, San Diego FC, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps
Still alive
Western Conference: FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes
FC Dallas needs: To defeat Vancouver Whitecaps or at least draw if either Colorado Rapids or Real Salt Lake lose points. If San Jose loses or draws, or both Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake lose, Dallas secures the playoffs.
Real Salt Lake needs: To defeat St. Louis FC or at least draw if Colorado Rapids lose points or FC Dallas loses. If San Jose loses or draws and the Rapids lose, Real Salt Lake will qualify regardless.
Colorado Rapids need: To defeat LAFC while one of Real Salt Lake or FC Dallas loses. A draw gets them in if both Real Salt Lake and Dallas lose, or if San Jose drops points while one loses.
San Jose Earthquakes need: To win while the Colorado Rapids drop points and one of Real Salt Lake or FC Dallas loses. They need a win coupled with victories for both squads mentioned to secure a berth.
MLS Decision Day Schedule
All times Eastern, all matches available on MLS Season Pass
Saturday, October 18
- Atlanta United vs. D.C. United, 6 p.m.
- Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union, 6 p.m.
- FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montreal, 6 p.m.
- Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bull, 6 p.m.
- New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire, 6 p.m.
- New York City FC vs. Seattle Sounders, 6 p.m.
- Toronto FC vs. Orlando City SC, 6 p.m.
- San Jose Earthquakes vs. Austin FC, 9 p.m.
- Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles FC, 9 p.m.
- Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo, 9 p.m.
- St. Louis City FC vs. Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas, 9 p.m.
- LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United, 9 p.m.
- Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FC, 9 p.m.
