Decision Day Approaches as MLS Regular Season Ends

NEW YORK, NY — This Saturday marks Decision Day, the last day of the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season, with crucial playoff spots, home-field advantage, and the MLS Golden Boot up for grabs.

All intraconference matches will kick off simultaneously on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with Eastern Conference games starting at 6 p.m. ET and Western Conference games scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.

The race for the MLS Golden Boot, awarded to the leading goal-scorer, will culminate on Decision Day. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF leads the pack with 26 goals, followed closely by Denis Bouanga from LAFC with 24 goals and Sam Surridge of Nashville SC with 23 goals. The match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF will be a highlight as Messi and Surridge face off in their final chance to claim the title. If Messi wins, it will be his first league top scorer trophy since his 2020-21 season with Barcelona.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference teams are battling for playoff positioning and home-field advantage. New York City FC and Nashville SC are currently in fourth and sixth place, respectively, and need wins in their matches against Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF. Orlando City SC also aims to secure their playoff spot with a win against Toronto FC.

In the Western Conference, the situation is just as competitive as teams vie for the last two playoff spots. Matches will kick off at 9 p.m. ET, featuring teams like the Colorado Rapids and the San Jose Earthquakes. Both teams require wins to improve their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

As the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs approach, the stakes have never been higher. Players will be under pressure to deliver outstanding performances that could define their season. Fans can expect an intense day of soccer on Saturday.