MLS Matchday 19 Roundup

The emotions of the 2025 MLS season continue, and this midweek, we witnessed the 19th matchday, where teams played three golden points in each of their games.

The Philadelphia Union currently leads the Eastern Conference, sitting four points ahead of Cincinnati and five points ahead of Nashville. Right behind them is the Columbus Crew, with Orlando City close on their heels.

In the Western Conference, recent developments have reshaped the standings. The Vancouver Whitecaps, who were once in a comfortable lead, are now one point behind San Diego FC. Minnesota is trailing three points behind the current leaders.

The change of pace in the Western Conference has made things more interesting on that side, but we need to break down the results from Matchday 19 before we look into what’s coming up next for the rest of the MLS regular season.

MLS Matchday 19: Games

MLS Matchday 19 Roundup: Montréal vs. Cincinnati

Things went according to plan for Cincinnati in their latest road match, as the Orange and Blue comfortably handled last-place CF Montréal (2–12–5, 11 points) to remain second in the Eastern Conference. Given the gap between the two sides in the standings, the result was hardly surprising. Evander was instrumental in the victory, contributing to all three goals with two of his own and an assist—making it a smooth outing for the visitors.

MLS Matchday 19 Roundup: Minnesota vs. Dynamo

Minnesota United came away with a solid win in their latest clash despite a quiet first half where neither side could find the back of the net. The match shifted after the 60th minute, turning into a one-sided affair. Bongokuhle Hlongwane sparked the breakthrough with two goals in quick succession, and Robin Lod added a third just seven minutes later. Although Houston Dynamo pulled one back in the fourth minute of stoppage time, it was merely a consolation in what had already become Minnesota’s night.

MLS Matchday 19 Roundup: Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia

Things got off to a quick start in this match, with the Philadelphia Union converting a penalty in the 10th minute to take an early lead. However, that would prove to be the game’s only significant moment. Chicago Fire struggled to pose any real threat, allowing Philadelphia to control the pace without pressure. The Union appeared content with the narrow lead, showing little urgency as they let Chicago dominate possession with 55%—a stat that ultimately had no impact on the outcome.

MLS Matchday 19 Roundup: Whitecaps vs. San Diego FC

This clash between the top two teams in the Western Conference lived up to the hype, delivering high drama and plenty of action as both sides battled for the top spot. It took some time for the game to open up, but once it did, it had fans on the edge of their seats with 13 shots on target across the 90 minutes.

San Diego FC struck first in the 35th minute through Milan Iloski, who quickly added a second just two minutes later. Although the Whitecaps responded in the 43rd, Iloski completed a stunning first-half hat trick moments later in the 44th minute.

Vancouver came out of the break looking to mount a comeback, but Iloski crushed those hopes by netting his fourth goal in the 47th minute. Mathías Laborda managed to pull one back for the Whitecaps in the 66th, but it wasn’t enough. Tomás Ángel Gutiérrez added San Diego’s fifth in the 90th minute, and although Vancouver scored again in the sixth minute of stoppage time, the final result was already sealed.