MLS players gathered around each other, watching iPhones and stadium scoreboards, waiting for final whistles to blow on Decision Day, Oct. 18.
Some were celebrating with pride. Others left the pitch disappointed as their seasons came to an end.
The Philadelphia Union won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield. They’ve clinched home-pitch advantage in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs.
FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami each finished one point behind them in the standings. All three clubs finished with higher point totals than any of their counterparts in the West.
The East well could host the West in the MLS Cup final on Dec. 6.
Expansion side San Diego FC won the Western Conference ahead of Vancouver. They’ve secured the most points by any expansion club in MLS history.
Messi wins MLS Golden Boot, could win MVP
Lionel Messi scored a hat trick with an assist to help Inter Miami beat Nashville SC 5-2. He finishes with 29 goals and 19 assists to finish with 48 goal contributions in 2025.
Anders Dreyer had two goals and an assist in a 3-0 win at Portland, finishing with 19 goals and 19 assists.
Denis Bouanga was held scoreless, finishing the season with 24 goals and nine assists.
Nashville’s Sam Surridge scored against Inter Miami, finishing with 24 goals and five assists.
Cincinnati’s Evander had a goal and assist against Montreal, finishing with 18 goals and 15 assists.
Final Eastern Conference standings
Philadelphia Union (66 points)
FC Cincinnati (65)
Inter Miami CF (65)
Charlotte FC (59)
New York City FC (56)
Nashville SC (54)
Columbus Crew (54)
Chicago Fire (53)
Orlando City SC (53)
Eastern Conference playoff matchups
Wild-card matchup:
Chicago Fire (No. 8) vs. Orlando City (9)
Round 1 (best-of-three series):
Philadelphia Union (1) vs. Chicago Fire-Orlando City (8/9 winner)
FC Cincinnati (2) vs. Columbus Crew (7)
Inter Miami CF (3) vs. Nashville SC (6)
Charlotte FC (4) vs. New York City FC (5)
Final Western Conference standings
San Diego FC (63 points)
Vancouver Whitecaps (63)
Los Angeles FC (60)
Minnesota United (58)
Seattle Sounders (55)
Austin FC (47)
FC Dallas (44)
Portland Timbers (44)
Real Salt Lake (41)
Western Conference playoff matchups
Wild-card matchup:
Portland Timbers (No. 8) vs. Real Salt Lake (No. 9)
Round 1 (best-of-three series):
San Diego FC (1) vs. Portland Timbers/Real Salt Lake (8/9 winner)
Vancouver Whitecaps (2) vs. FC Dallas (7)
LAFC (3) vs. Austin FC (6)
Minnesota United (4) vs. Seattle Sounders (5)
When do the MLS playoffs start?
Here is the playoff schedule:
Oct. 22: Wild-card matches (single-elimination matches)
Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City (8:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass)
Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake (10:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass)
Oct. 24-Nov. 9: Round 1 (best-of-three series)
Nov. 22-23: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches)
Nov. 29-30: Conference finals (single-elimination matches)
Dec. 6: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)