MLS Decision Day Approaches with Playoff Implications

Portland, Oregon, October 14, 2025

News Summary

Major League Soccer’s Decision Day on October 18 is set to determine playoff positions as teams in both conferences vie for crucial spots. In the Western Conference, Dallas, Salt Lake, Colorado, and San Jose are competing for the last playoff spot, while Vancouver and San Diego chase the top seed. The Eastern Conference also sees teams like Charlotte, New York City, and Nashville seeking home-field advantages. The playoffs are set to start shortly after Decision Day, shaping an exciting postseason landscape.

Portland, Oregon – Major League Soccer is gearing up for Decision Day on October 18, 2025, as teams across the league finalize their playoff positions. In the Western Conference, four teams are competing for the last playoff spot, with Dallas, Salt Lake, Colorado, and San Jose all in the hunt. Two playoff spots are still up for grabs in the West, while three teams in the Eastern Conference can secure home-field advantage for the playoffs.

This season, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and San Diego FC are contending for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Several conditions must be met for teams to clinch their playoff berths or advantages: Dallas, Salt Lake, Colorado, and San Jose can each secure a berth depending on match conditions. Similarly, Vancouver and San Diego have specific criteria to claim the top seed.

In the Eastern Conference, teams such as Charlotte, New York City, and Nashville are vying for home-field advantages in the Round One Best-of-3 Series. These advantages are conditional based on the outcomes of their matches on Decision Day.

Decision Day’s outcomes will play a crucial role in determining playoff placements, with the MLS postseason kicking off the following week on October 22. The initial matches will be the Wild Card games, featuring single-elimination play between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in each conference.

The playoffs will consist of a Best-of-3 Series format among the top seven teams in each conference. In this format, each team is guaranteed at least one home game. The higher seed will host the first match, the lower seed will have the second, and if needed, a decisive match will take place at the higher seed’s venue.

The playoffs will transition to a single-elimination format leading up to the championship game, set for December 6, 2025, which will be hosted by the team with the superior regular-season record. All playoff matches will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, available in both English and Spanish. Select games, such as the MLS Cup, will also air on FOX Sports in the U.S. and TSN and RDS in Canada.

The Portland Timbers have already qualified for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, marking their second consecutive year of postseason appearance. Head Coach Phil Neville has successfully led the team to the playoffs in both seasons of his tenure. The Timbers have a historical playoff record that includes 11 wins, seven losses, and seven draws, with a score tally of 37 goals for and 35 against. Currently, the Timbers hold a season record of 11 wins, 11 draws, and 11 losses (11-11-11), accumulating 44 points, and they will face San Diego FC in a decisive match at Providence Park on Decision Day at 6 PM PT.

Upcoming Playoff Schedule

• October 18, 2025 – Decision Day Matches Conclude
• October 22, 2025 – Start of Wild Card Matches
• December 6, 2025 – MLS Cup Championship

Key Conditions for Playoffs and Advantages

• Dallas, Salt Lake, Colorado, San Jose can clinch playoff berths under specific conditions.
• Vancouver and San Diego are fighting for the No. 1 seed based on outcomes.
• Charlotte, New York City, and Nashville are also looking for home-field advantages in the first round.

Summary of Playoffs and Series Structure

• Top seven teams qualify for the Best-of-3 series.
• Higher seeds host the first game, lower seeds host the second; possible third game is hosted by the higher seed.
• Post-Best-of-3 will shift to single-elimination format.

Viewing Options

• MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English and Spanish commentary).
• Select games on FOX Sports (U.S), TSN and RDS (Canada).

Frequently Asked Questions

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HERE Resources

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Vancouver Whitecaps Negotiating for Thomas Müller

Additional Resources

• MLS Soccer: Decision Day Clinch Scenarios
• Wikipedia: MLS Cup Playoffs
• Philadelphia Union: Key Dates and Schedule Information
• Google Search: 2025 MLS playoffs
• Portland Timbers: Playoff Clinch Announcement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Soccer
• MLS Soccer: What’s at Stake for Every Club
• Google News: MLS Cup 2025
• Austin FC: Playoff Spot Clinched
• Inter Miami CF: Playoffs Schedule Announcement

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.