MLS Cup 2025 Play-off Bracket - MLS Photo
On October 19, the final round of matches of the MLS 2025 points calculation period took place with great drama. Inter Miami showed their strength by crushing Nashville SC with a score of 5-2, in which Lionel Messi shone brightly with a hat-trick.
This victory not only helped Inter Miami take third place overall in the Eastern Conference but also gave them a favorable draw in the first round of the playoffs.
According to the MLS Cup format, the top 7 teams in each conference will advance directly to Round One. The 8th and 9th placed teams will have to play a "Wild Card" match to compete for the final ticket.
From the first round, the pairs will compete in a BO3 format - best of three (win 2 out of 3 matches) to determine the team that will advance. From the quarter-finals onwards, the matches will take place in a single knockout format. The 2025 MLS Cup final is scheduled to be held on December 7.
Eastern Conference Bracket:
Wild Card Match: Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City
Round One:
Philadelphia Union (1) - Wild Card Winner
FC Cincinnati (2) - Columbus Crew (7)
Inter Miami (3) - Nashville SC (6)
Charlotte FC (4) - New York City FC (5)
Messi has a chance to win the 2025 MLS Cup with Inter Miami - Photo: REUTERS
Western Region Branch:
Wild Card Match: Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake
Round One:
San Diego FC (1) - Wild Card Winner
Vancouver Whitecaps (2) - FC Dallas (7)
Los Angeles FC (3) - Austin FC (6)
Minnesota United (4) - Seattle Sounders (5)
Having to play only Nashville - the opponent they just defeated - is considered a big advantage for Inter Miami. With Messi at the peak of his form and a leading candidate for the MVP award, Coach Mascherano's team can be completely confident of a positive result to advance deep into the next round.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union, the Supporters' Shield winners (the team with the best record in the first phase), will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs and are strong candidates for this year's MLS Cup title.
In MLS, there are two major trophies. The Supporters' Shield is awarded to the team with the best record after the points-scoring period (similar to a national championship in Europe). This year, the Philadelphia Union won this trophy.
Meanwhile, MLS Cup is a knockout tournament to find the final champion of the season.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lo-dien-18-doi-bong-vao-mls-cup-2025-20251019205416964.htm
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