2025 MLS Playoffs: Final Eight Teams Compete for Championship

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs are down to the final eight teams as the postseason heats up. After a dramatic series of matches, the conference semifinals are set to begin later this month with some surprising outcomes.

On Sunday night, San Diego FC secured its place in the semifinals by defeating the Portland Timbers, leaving only one favored seed eliminated: Charlotte FC, which fell to fifth-seeded NYCFC. The matchups between the top teams promise exciting soccer in the upcoming rounds after the FIFA international break.

The Philadelphia Union, winners of the Supporters’ Shield, advanced after defeating the Chicago Fire. In the Western Conference, the Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC also moved on after victories over FC Dallas and Austin FC, respectively. Both clubs are now poised to face off in the semifinals against other dominant teams.

A notable highlight of the first round was Lionel Messi’s performance for Inter Miami, which secured a decisive win over Nashville SC. Messi’s two goals helped Miami overcome last year’s early exit in the playoffs.

Other thrilling matches included NYCFC’s victory against Charlotte FC, which ended their impressive home winning streak. Minnesota United edged out the Seattle Sounders in a gripping penalty shootout following a six-goal thriller. FC Cincinnati managed a comeback victory against the Columbus Crew, thanks to two goals from Brenner.

San Diego FC joined the semifinals with a dominant 4-0 win, powered by Anders Dreyer and Amahl Pellegrino, each scoring two goals. The playoffs, employing a best-of-three series format, led to exciting matches where home-field advantages played a significant role.

Looking ahead, the conference semifinals will feature Vancouver Whitecaps against LAFC on November 22, followed by other matchups involving FC Cincinnati against Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union against NYCFC. The playoffs will conclude with the MLS Cup final on December 6.