Exciting Matchups Ahead: 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One & Wild Card Preview on MLSSoccer.com

The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are here! After a thrilling Decision Day, 18 teams made the postseason cut. Nine teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences will compete for the coveted MLS Cup, beginning on December 6.

The Wild Card matchups (No. 8 vs. No. 9) kick off on October 22. Then, the Round One series will start on October 24. You can catch every game live on the MLS Season Pass, which is available for free to Apple TV subscribers.

Match Previews

(8) Chicago Fire FC vs. (9) Orlando City
Chicago is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2017, under coach Gregg Berhalter. They’re led by Philip Zinckernagel, a standout with 15 goals and 15 assists. Orlando is looking to bounce back, with playmaker Martín Ojeda contributing significantly this season.

(1) Philadelphia Union vs. (8/9) Chicago or Orlando
Philadelphia topped the league with 66 points and recently won their second Supporters’ Shield. Key players include Tai Baribo, who scored 16 goals, and a strong defensive lineup. With home-field advantage at Subaru Park, they await the winner of the Chicago vs. Orlando match.

(2) FC Cincinnati vs. (7) Columbus Crew
This matchup is a fierce rivalry. Columbus defeated Cincy in last year’s Eastern Conference Final, so expectations are high. Cincy’s Evander leads them with 18 goals, while Columbus is aiming to rally after captain Darlington Nagbe announced his retirement.

(3) Inter Miami CF vs. (6) Nashville SC
Inter Miami heads into the playoffs on a high, winning six of their last eight games. Lionel Messi, who surpassed the league’s scoring title with 29 goals, is a focal point. Nashville hopes to catch Miami off-guard with their own strong scoring lineup, featuring Hany Mukhtar.

(4) Charlotte FC vs. (5) New York City FC
Charlotte boasts a strong home record but will miss star player Wilfried Zaha due to a red card. This opens opportunities for NYCFC, who could capitalize on any mistakes.

(1) San Diego FC vs. (8/9) Portland or Salt Lake
San Diego has surprised everyone in their first season, breaking records with 63 points. Newcomer Anders Dreyer and DP Chucky Lozano are key players. They’ll face the winner of the Portland vs. RSL Wild Card game.

(2) Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. (7) FC Dallas
Vancouver continues to shine, especially after signing German forward Thomas Müller. Despite Dallas’s recent surge, they have a tough battle ahead. Petar Musa is a standout goal scorer for Dallas, making this matchup one to watch.

(3) LAFC vs. (6) Austin FC
LAFC significantly improved with Son Heung-Min’s arrival. The South Korean star has scored 9 goals in 10 games, forming a strong partnership with Denis Bouanga. Austin will rely on their solid defense and rising talent Owen Wolff to pull off an upset.

(4) Minnesota United FC vs. (5) Seattle Sounders FC
Minnesota has strong home-field advantage, relying on their solid goalkeeper and defense. Seattle, having won the Leagues Cup this year, is a formidable opponent with key international players ready to shine.

The Big Picture

The playoffs showcase not just talent but also the emotional stakes of the sport. Fans are buzzing on social media, sharing predictions and celebrating their teams. Every match could be a turning point, and upsets are always a possibility.

Expert Insight: According to sports analysts, playoffs often hinge on team dynamics and player performances under pressure. It’s about teamwork and strategy.

The excitement for the MLS Cup is palpable, and with so much talent on display, every game promises to be thrilling.

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