MLS Cup Playoffs Preview

Last Updated on November 6, 2025 3:09 pm by Erwin Noguera

It’s Round of 16 weekend in the MLS Cup Playoffs, with three teams already through to the quarterfinals and the rest battling for their spots.

Los Angeles FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Philadelphia Union have already advanced. All other series are tied 1-1 and will be decided this weekend. Among the standout matchups are Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew and Inter Miami vs. Nashville—the only two series where each team won their game in regulation time.

Another one to keep an eye on is San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers, as the California side finished first in the West and was just seconds away from clinching qualification earlier.
At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the MLS, the final bets for this matchday, and the odds for each match.

MLS Cup Playoffs: Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders

The series is tied 1-1 after the first match ended 0-0, with Minnesota winning 3-2 on penalties, and the second game going to Seattle with a 4-2 victory.

At home, Minnesota hasn’t been very strong, earning eight wins, four draws, and five losses. Kelvin Yeboah, who became the team’s top scorer after Tani Oluwaseyi’s transfer to Villarreal, hasn’t scored in the league since July 26, when he netted twice from the penalty spot. Although it’s also true he lost his starting spot. This would be a great moment for him to rediscover his scoring touch.

The Sounders also struggled on the road, with five wins, four draws, and eight losses, exactly the reverse of their opponent’s home record. On the bright side, Jordan Morris has scored twice in his last three matches, but the injuries to Pedro de la Vega and Paul Arriola are significant setbacks, especially the loss of the Argentine.

Minnesota vs. Sounders Betting Pick: Sounders

MLS Cup Playoffs: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew

The series is tied 1-1 after each team won at home. Cincinnati took the first leg 1-0, while the Crew responded with a 4-0 victory.

It’s no secret that the recent defeat was a tough blow for the ‘Blue and Orange’. At home this season, they’ve won nine games, drawn three, and lost five. Pat Noonan will be without several key players, including defenders Nick Hagglund and Matthew Miazga due to injury, and forward Yuya Kubo, who is suspended.

On the other side, the Crew come in motivated after that 4-0 win and are looking to improve their away record, as they’ve gone four road games without a victory and managed only five all season.Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi remains their star and top scorer with 16 goals, but he’s now gone three matches without finding the net, just when they need him most.

Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew Betting Pick: Columbus Crew

MLS Cup Playoffs: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC

The series began with Inter Miami winning 3-1 at home, followed by a 2-1 victory for Nashville in their own stadium. It’s worth remembering that these two teams also faced each other in the final round of the regular season, when the Florida side won 2-5 on the road.

With Lionel Messi leading the way but Luis Suárez suspended, Miami will look to seal qualification. The Uruguayan wasn’t booked during the last match, but after a post-game review of an uncalled foul, the decision was made to suspend him. Messi, the tournament’s top scorer with 32 goals, has scored eight goals in his last four matches, six of them against this same opponent. At home, Miami has recorded 11 wins, three draws, and three losses.

Nashville managed to win at home to extend the series, but they know they’ll need to improve significantly, as they were one of the league’s weakest away teams, losing nine of their 17 road games. Sam Surridge continued his great form with another goal, and alongside Hany Mukhtar, he hopes to form a lethal duo this Saturday.

Inter Miami vs. Nashville Betting Pick: Inter Miami

MLS Cup Playoffs: San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers

The series between these two teams is tied 1-1, with San Diego winning at home and the Timbers drawing and then winning on penalties in Portland. They’ve met four times in official matches, with the California side winning two and the other two ending in draws.

The MLS breakout team is on the verge of making even more history. They finished first in the Western Conference and came close to advancing to the quarterfinals, but in the last match, they conceded an equalizer in stoppage time at 90+8 and then lost on penalties. It’s been an outstanding season for Anders Dreyer, who has 20 goals and 17 assists. However, their home form hasn’t been the best, earning just 26 of a possible 51 points.

Portland earned another chance thanks to Gage Guerra. The 22-year-old American couldn’t have picked a better time to score his first MLS goal. Now, they’ll need to do something that was difficult for them all season—win on the road. They managed just four away wins and five draws. Two of the team’s top scorers haven’t found the net in months: Kevin Kelsy hasn’t scored since August 16, and Antony Alves since September 13.

San Diego vs. Portland Betting Pick: San Diego