The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs have been electric from the first round up until the conference finals, with each match leaving fans with more and more to be excited about.
From wild penalty kick shootouts to playoff rivalry matches, the first round was thrilling for soccer fans across America.
In the Western Conference, top seeded San Diego FC beat the Portland Timbers (2-1 series), and the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated FC Dallas (2-0 series).
Korean superstar Son Heung-Min and LAFC beat Austin FC, (2-0 series), and Minnesota United sent the Seattle Sounders home in a penalty kick shootout that went ten rounds in a game three thriller (2-1 series).
The Eastern Conference provided exciting matchups as well, as the one seed Philadelphia Union destroyed the Chicago Fire (2-0 series), and Cincinnati FC defeated the Columbus Crew in the, “Hell is Real” derby (2-1 series).
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami beat Nashville SC in game three at home, which resulted in a 4-0 victory with Messi scoring two goals and Tadeo Allende contributing two as well (2-1 series).
NYCFC upset Charlotte FC in game three at Bank of America Stadium 3-1, with Nicolas Fernandez scoring two major goals for NYCFC to lift his team to the Eastern Conference semi-finals (2-1 series).
The conference semi-finals began on Nov. 22, as LAFC took on the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place in Vancouver.
The Whitecaps were on the front foot early, scoring two first half goals, one by Emmanuel Sabbi off an assist from goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, and the other by Mathias Laborda. Son Hueng-Min delivered some brilliance of his own, scoring two second half goals for LAFC, including a late equalizer in stoppage time off of a free kick. The match went to penalties, and Vancouver came out victorious, winning the shootout 4-3.
San Diego FC faced off against Minnesota United at Snap Dragon Stadium on Nov. 24, with Anders Dreyer scoring a late second half goal to beat Minnesota United 1-0, sending San Diego FC to the Western Conference Finals in the club’s inaugural season.
In the East, Messi and Inter Miami dismantled FC Cincinnati 4-0 on Nov. 23, running them out of their own park, with goals from Messi, Allende and Mateo Silvetti. Inter Miami took care of business on the road, punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in club history.
On Nov. 23 NYCFC matched up with the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park, and Maxi Moralez scored a tactical goal in the first half for NYCFC. The Union were unable to equalize, and NYCFC upset their second opponent in a row, doing it on the road both times.
Both Conference Finals matches were decided on Nov. 29, with Inter Miami cruising to a 5-1 victory at home against NYCFC and the Vancouver Whitecaps winning on the road against San Diego FC, 3-1.
White scored two crucial goals in the Western Conference Final, lifting the Vancouver Whitecaps to their first MLS Cup appearance in the history of the club.
Thomas Muller, Sebastian Berhalter, Ryan Gauld and Yohei Takaoka all make an impact on the club’s winning culture as well.
Lionel Messi is looking to lead Inter Miami to their first MLS cup title, tallying 29 goals and 19 assists this season while only playing 28 matches, earning Miami the third seed in the east alongside other key players like Luis Suarez and Allende.
Allende has totaled eight goals in the playoffs, tying the record for goals in a single postseason, which was set by Carlos Ruiz in 2002.
Messi has had his fair share of post season magic as well, breaking the record for most assists in a single postseason with seven.
Inter Miami has scored a mind boggling 17 goals during this incredible playoff run, doing it in just five matches, outscoring their opponents 17-3.
No matter the result of the MLS Cup Final, a new champion will be crowned for the very first time. Neither club has ever won an MLS Cup.
Another dramatic story line heading into the Cup Final is the matchup between Messi and Muller, two of the top footballers in the world. Muller joined the Vancouver Whitecaps midway through the 2025 season after his departure with the German club FC Bayern Munich, becoming another global star playing in MLS.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, shocking the sports world, becoming the face of MLS overnight. Two years into his tenure with the club, and they’re still chasing an MLS Cup.
Inter Miami are the heavy favorites heading into the Final, as they have cruised through the playoffs, defeating each of their opponents decisively.
The Vancouver Whitecaps are the underdogs, but don’t be shocked if they come out on top. The Whitecaps have won some very tough matches they were not favored to win during this year’s playoffs, including upsets against LAFC and San Diego FC.
This upcoming MLS season will be the last one in this current format, as starting in 2027, the MLS will follow the summer to spring format to align with global leagues. This means that
the league will run from July to May, with the MLS Cup to occur in May, which also avoids conflicts with international windows and competitions. This new format will also allow for more open and easier transfers between the MLS and leagues worldwide.
