MLS Decision Day 2025 – Western Edition | OneFootball

My colleague Josep allowed me to write up the Western version. Nice guy, that Josep, though I suspect laziness was his true motivation.

So I’ll start the same way he did: We have reached the end of yet another MLS season. Only it’s three hours later since we’re out West. Only one more game remains, and unlike the unexciting East the West still has eleven teams in the running!

MLS Western Conference Standings. Source: Sofascore

The one unmovable object in the Western table, Seattle Sounders, will already have played by the time we kick off at 9:00pm ET. They own 5th place, and no result in their game (or any other) will change that. Whew. I could not abide if a team took advantage of an earlier result to adjust strategy. Kidding.

There are seven games hosted by Western Conference teams, again, all kicking off at 9:00pm ET. Some matter more than others, and we’ll list the games in what we think are the most critical/impactful.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC DallasBC Place, Vancouver, Canada

It’s hard to believe, but despite 63 points Vancouver could still lose the Western Conference title to San Diego FC. The reason for this is because the MLS playoff qualification tiebreakers for teams on the same points is: 1) games won, 2) goal differential, 3) goals scored, 4) disciplinary points.

IF SDFC win and Vancouver lose, they would both sit at 63 points. BUT, SDFC would have 19 wins to the Caps’ 18.

And it’s not just about Vancouver! FC Dallas, sitting in 8th place on 40 points, have to defend their position from the three teams below them. So they ALSO need a win badly. No matter how you slice it, this game matters. Just as much as the next one on the list.

Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FCProvidence Park, Portland, Oregon

San Diego’s inaugural season has been, frankly, incredible. And if they can beat Portland at home, and the Whitecaps stumble and lose to Dallas, they would equal the unprecedented achievement of St. Louis in 2023 to be a debutante winning a conference title.

One big ace up their sleeve: San Diego has the best away form of any Western conference team, 34 points earned. It also doesn’t hurt that Portland is middle-of-the-pack in home form. Portland’s season has been shaky and riddled with inconsistency, and I believe San Diego will walk out of Providence Park with all three points.

Colorado Rapids vs. LAFCDick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado

There are some interesting subplots at play here. One is Denis Bouanga. He’s two goals behind Messi in the Golden Boot. He’s also pissed that his country, Gabon, didn’t automatically qualify for the World Cup. Can this anger be channeled? The second is the weather factor. Colorado is really cold right now. USMNT manager Pochettino complained about it yesterday before the “friendly” against Australia. The third is that the host team REALLY has something to play for. They’re in 10th place, behind Real Salt Lake on goal differential. Unless they (and FC Dallas) both win, a victory for Rapids puts them into the playoffs. I’m sure there are bonuses. C’mon Colorado, if not for the love, go win for the largesse!

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Real Salt LakeEnergizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri

Neither of these teams have had an easy season. Every time one of them gets a little momentum something happens that sets them back again. The exception to this is St. Louis’ recent form. With three wins in their last four, they’re displaying a classic case of too little too late syndrome. They played spoiler to San Jose’s playoff hopes three weeks ago, and will be looking to do the same to Salt Lake.

Real is a very boolean team. They have the second lowest number of draws in the league, with four (Charlotte has two). Since those embarrassing back-to-back 4 – 1 losses to LAFC, they’ve taken six points out of a possible nine. A win on the road won’t get them out of a play-in, but it would deny the teams below them. That would be enough.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Austin FCPayPal Park, San Jose, California

Given their atrocious recent form, with four losses in five, it’s a surprise that there’s even a sliver of chance the Quakes could qualify for the post season. But the chance is real, even if it requires a truckload of help to make it happen. In addition to a win, San Jose needs two of the following three teams above them to lose: FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, and Colorado Rapids. I’ve seen worse odds.

Austin FC is simply biding time until the playoffs. They’ll either be 6th or 7th, and neither will make much of a difference.

LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United FCDignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California

Though it pains me to write it, LA Galaxy deserve a little bit of credit for turning their season around. They’re still in last place, and have been since Week 2. That’s what a fifteen game winless streak gets you. But instead of completely giving up, they’ve rallied and made an effort to fight for 14th. A win here would move them up, and guarantee the Wooden Spoon trophy would not sit alongside the Cup from 2024. The Loons can’t really improve their 4th place spot unless SDFC or LAFC lose.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo FCChildren’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas

Move along, everyone. Both teams were eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago. Nothing to watch here, unless you’re a die-hard supporter (I’m looking at you Foxtrot Media).