2025 Decision Day Guide: Key Insights and Answers
The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are nearing, marked by Decision Day, which is set for October 18, 2023. This significant day features 15 matches across two time windows, determining which teams secure playoff positions and their respective seeds.
Decision Day Matches Overview
Fans can catch all the action via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The matches are scheduled as follows:
- Eastern Conference: Saturday, October 18 at 6 PM ET
- Western Conference: Saturday, October 18 at 9 PM ET
- Featured Match: New York City FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC at 6 PM ET
Current League Standings
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC currently lead the Western Conference with 63 points. A win or draw on Decision Day will guarantee them the top seed.
San Diego FC, with 60 points, seeks to surpass Vancouver for the No. 1 position, capping off their impressive expansion season.
Playoff Seeds and Home-Field Advantages
In the Eastern Conference, teams such as Charlotte FC, New York City FC, and Nashville SC are competing for the crucial No. 4 seed. This seed ensures home-field advantage during the Round One Best-of-3 Series, with Charlotte currently holding this spot based on tie-breaking criteria.
Wild Card Contenders
The Wild Card positions are pivotal on Decision Day. In the Western Conference, FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake currently occupy these spots. However, both Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes have opportunities to rise above them based on game outcomes.
In the East, Chicago Fire FC and Columbus Crew hold the Wild Card positions, with potential for advancement depending on their performance and other games’ results. Orlando City and Nashville could find themselves relegated to a Wild Card match if results do not favor them.
Star Players to Watch
LAFC is in a competitive spot, capable of finishing anywhere from second to fourth in the West. Key players Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga have accounted for a striking 18 goals combined leading into Decision Day.
In the East, Inter Miami is pushing for the No. 2 seed alongside FC Cincinnati. Lionel Messi stands out with a league-leading 26 goals and is eyeing both the Golden Boot and MVP titles.
Final Playoff Structure
As the regular season wraps, the playoff landscape is becoming clearer:
- Eastern Conference: 9 of 9 spots filled
- Western Conference: 7 of 9 spots filled
The playoffs will consist of:
- Wild Card Matches: October 22
- Round One Best-of-3 Series: October 24 – November 9
- Conference Semifinals: November 22 – November 23
- Conference Finals: November 29 – November 30
- MLS Cup: December 6
As the playoff picture finalizes, teams are poised for an electrifying end to the regular season and a promising journey towards the Audi 2025 MLS Cup.
