The 2025 Major League Soccer season is winding down, and Matchday 37 began to bring some clarity to what this year’s MLS Cup Playoffs might look like.
Philadelphia Union put themselves in control of their own destiny in the Supporters’ Shield race with a 6–0 win over D.C. United, and the New York Red Bulls’ loss to New York City FC likely doomed their hopes of extending their playoff streak to 16 consecutive seasons.
Overall, results allowed five more teams to clinch spots in the postseason through the latest round of action, making 13 of 18 spots claimed heading into the final three weeks of the season.
While some teams have games in hand and condensed schedules ahead of Decision Day on Oct. 18, here’s how the first round best-of-three series to start the MLS Cup Playoffs would look if they began today.
