MLS Cup Playoff Race Enters Final Stretch

High Stakes, Intense Competition Expected Down Stretch

10 Teams Vie for 7 Remaining Playoff Spots

With just 5 weeks remaining in the 2023 MLS regular season, 10 teams are vying for the final 7 spots in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The race is expected to be intense and competitive, with several teams in contention for a playoff berth.

Currently, FC Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Union, FC Dallas and the New England Revolution occupy the top 4 spots in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta United FC, the Columbus Crew, Orlando City SC, the New York Red Bulls, CF Montreal and Nashville SC are all within striking distance of a playoff spot.

In the Western Conference, LAFC, the Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas are the current top 3 teams. Minnesota United FC, the San Jose Earthquakes, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, FC Cincinnati, the Colorado Rapids, the Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City are all still in contention for a playoff spot.

Several key matchups will take place in the coming weeks as teams jockey for position in the playoff race. On September 17th, FC Cincinnati will host the Philadelphia Union in a battle between the top 2 teams in the Eastern Conference. On September 24th, LAFC will travel to Seattle to face the Sounders in a clash between the top 2 teams in the Western Conference. These are just a few of the many exciting matchups that are still to come, and they are sure to have a major impact on the playoff race.

The MLS Cup Playoffs begin on October 19th and conclude with the MLS Cup on November 5th. The top 7 teams from each conference will qualify for the playoffs, with the top 3 teams in each conference receiving a first-round bye. The remaining 8 teams will compete in a single-elimination play-in round to determine the final 4 teams that will advance to the conference semifinals.

The MLS Cup Playoffs are always an exciting and unpredictable tournament, and this year's playoffs are sure to be no different. With several teams in contention for a playoff spot, the race is expected to be intense and competitive until the very end.