MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card Roundup

Last Updated on novembro 10, 2025 3:34 pm by Erwin Noguera

The 2025 Major League Soccer season entered its most intense phase, that stage where tactics coexist with emotions and every detail can determine the fate of a franchise.

This year, expectations were particularly focused on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, a team built to compete and carrying the weight of a particular mission: to be crowned MLS champions, something that eluded them in last season’s playoffs. With age advancing and the end of his career drawing ever closer, Messi sees this edition as an invaluable opportunity to add a title that would be as historic as it is symbolic.

However, the road is never linear. The revamped playoff format, which includes best-of-three series in the early rounds, meant that several teams had to suffer more than usual to advance.

Inter Miami: Suffering, reaction, and Leadership

The series against Nashville had all the ingredients: uncertainty, exhaustion, and a decisive finish. The team led by Javier Mascherano, who took on the responsibility of building a solid foundation around Messi and Luis Suárez, managed to strike when it mattered most.

The first match, played in Miami, was a show of authority: 3-1 and positive vibes. But the story took a turn in the second game, played away, where Nashville made them uncomfortable and took advantage of defensive lapses to win 2-1. That result forced a third game that allowed for no mistakes. And there, as on so many other important nights, Messi appeared: his two goals set the stage for a 4-0 victory that ended up being a statement. The star from Rosario not only decides games, but he also decides paths. Inter Miami is now in the conference semifinals, where the level of difficulty will increase even more.

Cincinnati: Resilience in a grueling series

Miami’s opponent will be Cincinnati, a team that has long since ceased to be a rebuilding franchise and has become a clear contender in the Eastern Conference. Their series against the Columbus Crew was a clear demonstration of their competitive spirit. They won the first game 1-0 at home, but suffered a severe blow in the rematch: a 4-0 defeat that exposed defensive weaknesses and called into question their emotional stability.

However, in the decisive match, Cincinnati regained its identity. Confident in its collective structure and the solidity of its transitions, it secured a 2-1 victory that put it back in control of its destiny. It will not be an easy semifinal, especially because it will face a team that has Messi in top form and Suárez, who, although he no longer has the consistency of previous seasons, continues to have an impact in the most crucial moments. The key for Cincinnati will be to cut off the inside channels and force Miami to play away from the box.

Philadelphia Union and New York City: clash of styles in the East

The other semifinal in the Eastern Conference presents an interesting tactical nuance. The Philadelphia Union is known for being a disciplined, upfront team with a clear idea: high pressure and vertical play. They are coming off two wins against Chicago Fire: a hard-fought first victory, decided by penalties after a 2-2 draw, and then a 3-0 away win that spoke of effectiveness and confidence.

New York City, meanwhile, had to play three games against Charlotte. After a rough start to the season, they managed to string together more solid performances in the latter part of the year, and that stability carried over into the playoffs. The final 3-1 victory reflected an improvement on offense, with more fluid possession and minutes of territorial control.

A very physical and tactical match is expected. Philadelphia will look to disrupt, break up the rhythm, and attack every turnover. NYC will try to hold onto the ball and build patiently. In these types of matchups, tactical details often carry as much weight as big names.

MLS West: balance, surprises, and new powerhouses

While the East attracts much of the attention due to Messi’s presence, the West offers remarkable competitive diversity. The Vancouver Whitecaps managed to overcome Dallas by showing their strength when attacking the opponent’s area. They won their first game 3-0 and then sealed their place in the next round with a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Their reward is a match against Los Angeles FC, one of the teams that has best managed its squad physically and tactically throughout the year.

LAFC did not need a third game: they beat Austin 2-1 and then 4-1, making clear their marked offensive superiority. Their speed in transitions and ability to exploit spaces make this team a very difficult opponent.

To have a real chance, Vancouver will need to slow down the pace of the game and avoid constant back-and-forth play, a scenario in which LAFC tends to dominate.

The other Western Conference semifinal will pit Minnesota against San Diego FC.Minnesota had to go through a dramatic series against Seattle, which wasdecided on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Their spirits are high, but their defensive performance still raises questions. On the other side is San Diego FC, a rapidly growing franchise that sent a strong signal by beating Portland 4-0 in the decisive match. This is a team that came to compete from day one.