MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card Preview

Last Updated on October 22, 2025 12:23 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Major League Soccer regular season has come to an end, and most of the teams that will advance to the playoffs have been decided, although there is still one exciting stage left to play: the Wild Card. This is the last chance for four clubs looking to sneak into the postseason, in single-elimination matches where a single mistake can cost them the entire campaign. The tension is high, the margin is slim, and the reward is enormous.

In total, 18 teams (nine per conference) will compete for glory in this final stretch of the year. However, two tickets per side are still up for grabs and will be decided in the Wild Card, where the teams ranked 8th and 9th in each conference will play for their lives in a single match. The winners will advance to Round One, where the top seeds await them in an intense race for the MLS Cup trophy, which will be awarded on December 6 at a venue yet to be confirmed.

In the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia Union finished top of the table, while in the West, the honor went to the surprising San Diego FC. Meanwhile, teams such as Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, Chicago Fire, and Orlando City are preparing to fight for their immediate future in a single do-or-die match. Excitement, pressure, and history come together in a perfect prelude to the official start of the 2025 MLS Playoffs.

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 Wild Card: Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City

In the Eastern Conference, the Wild Card match will feature eighth-seeded Chicago Fire and ninth-seeded Orlando City. The winner of this matchup will advance to Round One, where they will face Philadelphia Union, the undisputed conference leader and one of the favorites to win the title.

The Chicago Fire returns to the postseason for the first time since 2017, under the leadership of Gregg Berhalter, looking to put years of frustration behind them. The team has struggled with its defense, having conceded 60 goals throughout the season. Despite this weakness, they are currently in good form, remaining unbeaten in their last five games with three wins and two draws. A highlight of this period was their impressive 5-3 victory against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

On the other hand, Orlando City is facing its sixth consecutive playoff appearance with Oscar Pareja at the helm, although its current form is not ideal: it has gone four games without a win (two draws and two losses). Even so, its experience in decisive moments could make the difference. In terms of predictions, the Lions look like an attractive bet, thanks to their competitive postseason record and their ability to raise their level when it matters most.

Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City Betting Pick: Orlando City

MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card: Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake

In the Western Conference, the Wild Card matchup will feature eighth-seeded Portland Timbers against ninth-seeded Real Salt Lake. The winner of this matchup will earn the right to face San Diego FC, the surprise conference leader and sensation of the season, in Round One of the playoffs.

The Timbers come into the game needing to bounce back after an inconsistent regular season, in which they won only one of their last ten games.That lack of offensive punch has taken its toll: they are the lowest-scoring team among the 18 postseason qualifiers. However, the warmth of their fans at Providence Park could be the emotional factor that tips the balance in their favor in a do-or-die game.

For its part, Real Salt Lake, led by Pablo Mastroeni, managed to sneak into the playoffs after a key tie on Decision Day, consolidating its fifth consecutive appearance in this round. Although the Utah team is not the favorite, its experience and ability to compete under pressure make it a dangerous opponent. In terms of predictions, home-field advantage slightly tilts the odds toward the Portland Timbers, whose momentum in front of their fans could be decisive in this evenly matched contest.

Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake Betting Pick: Portland Timbers