It's almost time for the MLS playoffs, but first, there's seeding to be finalized and Wooden Spoons to be awarded in this weekend's annual Decision Day regular-season finale.
With the Seattle Sounders locked into the No. 5 seed, there's not as much riding on their road trip to New York City FC as far as their positioning, but there's a lot of movement that could still take place on the table elsewhere throughout the league. Here are the five I'll be keeping an eye on, aside from Seattle's trip to the Big Apple.
Atlanta United vs. D.C. United (aka the Wooden Spoon Bowl)
I don't know that we've ever had a Decision Day matchup where the result will literally determine who gets the Wooden Spoon. But that's going to be the situation at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where D.C. (25 points) can vault over Atlanta (27 points) from 15th to 14th place with a win. Atlanta United getting the Spoon would be an incredible outcome for their 2025 campaign, coming off an offseason where they spent over $30 million in transfer fees and broke the MLS transfer record on Emmanuel Latte Lath. How Chris Henderson and Co. dig themselves out of this situation is going to be one of the most fascinating storylines of this next offseason.
San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers
There's actually a lot riding on this matchup for the Timbers, who could theoretically fall into a Wild Card spot if they lose and other results break against them. On the flip side, they could still jump up to sixth if they win. They couldn't have drawn a much tougher opponent, as San Diego have been flying all season in their debut MLS campaign, and Anders Dreyer would be the MVP if it wasn't for Lionel Messi. The expansion side are one of Seattle's biggest obstacles on a theoretical MLS Cup run in the playoffs, so it's worth keeping tabs on how they look in their final tune-up match.
Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union
The Union won the Supporters' Shield, but when I was ranking my Eastern Conference contenders today, Charlotte FC were my No. 1 pick for a potential dark-horse MLS Cup contender. There was a brief period earlier this season where it looked like they might be fraudulent, but Charlotte have been one of the hottest teams in the league down the stretch, and I think the way they defend and play in possession could lend itself well to tournament soccer. With homefield advantage on the line for them, they're going to have to go all-out at a Philly side that's already solidified itself as one of the best in the league.
Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF
We saw in Leagues Cup that Inter Miami are far from invincible, but I still will never discount the team that has Lionel Messi in any tournament. Two of the Barca Boys, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, have already announced they're retiring, so these playoffs coming up are really Inter Miami's last chance to add a trophy with this current group. Along with NYCFC, Nashville are one of the clubs jostling with Charlotte for homefield advantage in the East, so this is actually a huge game for them, even aside from the stakes that are already built in with a matchup against the Barca Boys.
LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United
With Minnesota being Seattle's likely Round One opponent, let's see if they can take care of business against a Galaxy side that's having the worst season in club history. I fully expect them to win, but the Loons also haven't been in their best form for a while now, which is part of the reason they're arguably the best matchup for Seattle out of any of their prospective first-round adversaries. The Galaxy avoided the Spoon, but they're jostling with Sporting KC for last on the West table, so there's still a little bit of dignity left out there for them to salvage.
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Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Here's what you missed on the site this week.
Sounders
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 18 at New York City FC | 3 pm PT | MLS Season Pass
- Postgame Pontifications: Confidence builder
- Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff: Who should Sounders want to face in playoffs?
- Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake: community player ratings form
- Paul Rothrock speaks on status of contract negotiations
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Reign
Next match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs Utah Royals | 7:00 pm PT | Fox 13 / NWSL+
Defiance (season over)
Looking back at the news
Everything else you need to know
Give MLSsoccer.com feedback on their new AI-generated match recaps.
Cristian Roldan is back with the USMNT, and it feels like he never left (Philly Inquirer)
We nearly had a November USWNT game at at T-Mobile Park. How USMNT, USWNT choose opponents, venues and prices for games (ESPN)
United Soccer League Bringing Professional Soccer to Florida’s Treasure Coast (USL)
Bellevue plans Eastside celebrations for World Cup (City of Bellevue)
Apple TV Plus is being rebranded to… Apple TV (The Verge)
KC Current GM’s Strong Message On Americans Leaving NWSL (Athlon Sports)
Decision Day: Clinch scenarios, biggest races to know (MLSsoccer)
‘A Bit of Magic’ — Thomas Müller Heroics Fueling Vancouver Whitecaps Ahead of MLS Cup Playoffs (Sports Illustrated)
A new frontier: why Aussies are coming to MLS for soccer opportunity (The Guardian)
Kansas City Current set new NWSL single-season points record (ESPN)
Boston Legacy FC to Have Most Expensive Season Tickets in NWSL (The Bent Musket)
