Playoff Round Recap
By Cesar Hernandez and Joseph Lowery
Date: November 9, 2025, 5:20 PM ET
The first round of the MLS Cup playoffs concluded on Sunday evening, just sixteen days after its commencement. With the November international break now here, the postseason momentum has temporarily halted.
As the dust settles from the opening matches, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the initial rounds of the playoffs. The favorites performed admirably, Lionel Messi has reached the conference semifinals for the first time in his MLS career, and several dramatic shootouts kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Key Highlights
Favorites Advance
This year’s playoffs have yet to deliver significant upsets for MLS enthusiasts hoping for surprises.
In the Western Conference, the top four seeds—San Diego FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, LAFC, and Minnesota United FC—successfully overcame their lower-seeded opponents. Notably, LAFC and Vancouver completed their series in just two games.
On the Eastern side, the fifth-seeded New York City FC did manage to eliminate the fourth-seeded Charlotte FC, but many did not predict Charlotte would be strong contenders. Predictions for the title heavily favored teams like the Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, and Inter Miami CF, all of whom remain in contention.
Will these results signal the future trend? Likely not, as MLS is known for its unpredictability. Yet, thrilling surprises are anticipated in the next round. — Hernandez
Scheduling Issues
Much has been debated regarding the critiqued playoff format of MLS, which includes 60% of the league and features a best-of-three initial round, followed by an international break, and culminating in single-elimination matches culminating in the MLS Cup. This system can seem overly complex.
While the narratives and tactical battles of the best-of-three series can be enjoyable, the scheduling raises significant questions. Fans might recall the lack of playoff matches on the first Saturday of the postseason. It began with Inter Miami playing on Friday, October 24, then had no Saturday games, followed by three on Sunday, one on Monday, one on Tuesday, and another on Wednesday.
This resulted in a disjointed broadcast schedule that potentially alienated casual viewers—a demographic MLS desperately needs to attract. Additionally, four teams faced only three days of rest between their early playoff matches, while others enjoyed a full week off.
Ultimately, the postseason, which should highlight the league’s best, didn’t put forth the most effective advertisement for itself at the onset of the playoffs. — Lowery
Standout Player of the Round
Lionel Messi | Inter Miami
It’s Messi, and there was never any doubt about his impact.
After an outstanding regular season, which is likely to lead to him becoming the first player to win consecutive MVP awards in MLS history, Messi continued his exceptional performance into the playoffs. Throughout Inter Miami’s three encounters with Nashville SC, he netted five goals and provided an assist with a stunning through ball typical of his skill set.
Even in the absence of suspended teammate Luis Suárez for a crucial third matchup against Nashville, Miami remained undeterred, largely thanks to Messi. He initiated the scoring during a commanding 4-0 victory, and his intense pressing from the playmaker position set the standard for a cohesive defensive effort.
At 38, Messi remains just as formidable as when he joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. Driven by memories of last year’s early postseason exit against Atlanta United FC and the team’s ongoing struggles in knockout tournaments, Messi seems determined to propel Miami deeper into this year’s playoffs. This is undoubtedly alarming news for Nashville and the other teams still in the playoffs. — Lowery
Anders Dreyer | San Diego FC
While Messi rightfully deserves the spotlight, let’s also acknowledge the impressive contributions from San Diego’s forward.
Dreyer’s goal in the opener against Minnesota United FC was a pivotal moment justifying his role. He emerged again when he scored the equalizer in front of an energetic crowd at TQL Stadium and sealed the win with a goal in the closing minutes, creating wild celebrations among the 25,513 attendees.
After his team capitalized on a high-press turnover, Dreyer expertly maneuvered in the box, utilizing a deft touch with his right foot to gain space from the previous season’s Defender of the Year, Steven Moriera, before finishing the match’s final goal. His celebration was a powerful statement for FC Cincinnati, pushing them into the Eastern Conference semifinals. — Lowery
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