MLS Cup Wild Card Matchups: Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City and Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake
By: Cesar Hernandez and Joseph Lowery
Date: October 21, 2025
The MLS Cup playoffs are officially underway, kicking off with the Wild Card round scheduled to begin this Wednesday night. This round features the eighth and ninth-ranked teams from each conference, where the winners will advance to face the top seed in a best-of-three first round.
In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Fire will host Orlando City at 8:30 p.m. ET, while in the West, the Portland Timbers take on Real Salt Lake at 10:30 p.m. ET. Analysts Cesar Hernandez and Joseph Lowery will provide insights and predictions on these crucial matchups.
Eastern Conference Wild Card: Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City
Key Player: This season, only four players in the MLS have outperformed Philip Zinckernagel regarding goal contributions, with a remarkable total of 27 goals and assists. Zinckernagel has been instrumental in reviving the Fire’s postseason hopes, leading Chicago back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. His impressive dribbling skills place him in the top percentile for successful take-ons, potentially allowing him to breach Orlando’s defensive line.
X-factor: Although fullbacks are rarely highlighted as game-changers, Alex Freeman stands out in this regard. This promising U.S. men’s national team player has recorded six goals and three assists this season, ranking third among fullbacks in goal contributions. His ability to transition from defense to attack efficiently could be critical against an Orlando City squad that will likely exploit counter-attack opportunities.
Tactical Shift: After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to New York City FC last month, Chicago’s coach, Gregg Berhalter, opted for a tactical overhaul, transitioning the team from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3 formation. Since implementing this new structure, the Fire remain unbeaten in their last five matches, significantly improving their defensive capabilities.
Predictions
Insights from various analysts suggest that the Fire’s strong home advantage and improved form make them favorites, especially with Orlando’s struggles due to injuries among key players like César Araujo and Robin Jansson. The analysts foresee Chicago advancing given their solid defense coupled with a revived attacking force.
Western Conference Wild Card: Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake
Star Player: All eyes will be on Diego Luna, a promising talent looking to secure his place on the USMNT. With nine goals this season, Luna’s creative abilities and tenacity in attack could be pivotal for Real Salt Lake, who barely made the playoffs.
X-factor: David Ayala has emerged as a crucial player in the midfield, showing exceptional skill in making tackles and recovering possession. His performance will be key, especially against the Timbers, who have shown inconsistencies in their attacking efforts.
Tactical Overview: Interestingly, Real Salt Lake is known for taking a high volume of long-range shots, leading to a dilemma where they lack efficiency despite generating chances. If Portland focuses on a compact defensive structure, they may limit RSL’s scoring opportunities, resulting in a tight contest.
Predictions
Analysts anticipate a closely contested battle, with Luna’s potential to score or assist being crucial for RSL’s success. However, some believe that the Timbers’ lack of recent form may lead to their downfall, favoring Real Salt Lake’s chances of advancing.
As both matches promise to be thrilling, fans can look forward to an exciting start to the playoffs as teams vie for a coveted spot in the next round.
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