The final day of the MLS regular season, known as Decision Day, delivered the drama and excitement fans had hoped for, with unexpected twists and record-breaking achievements. Both the Eastern and Western Conferences saw nail-biting finishes that shaped the final playoff matchups and left fans on the edge of their seats.
Saturday night began with intense anticipation in the Eastern Conference, where the last playoff spot was up for grabs. Atlanta United, starting the day in 12th place, needed a miracle—and they got one. In a dramatic twist, a stoppage-time VAR decision went their way, sealing a win and granting them an unlikely playoff berth. Atlanta’s success came after missteps by D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union, allowing them to leapfrog into the 9th spot.
But the real story of the night was at the top of the conference. Inter Miami, already a dominant force this season, found themselves trailing 2-0 against the eliminated New England Revolution. However, they staged a remarkable comeback, powered by a stunning 11-minute hat trick from none other than Lionel Messi. Miami roared back to win 6-2, and in doing so, set a new all-time MLS record with 74 points, surpassing New England’s previous record of 73 from the 2022 season. This victory also earned Inter Miami a coveted spot in the 2025 Club World Cup.
While the East provided plenty of thrills, the Western Conference took things to a whole new level. The battle for the top seed was a wild ride, with the top spot changing hands twice deep into stoppage time. The LA Galaxy, trailing 1-0 against the Houston Dynamo, managed to equalize in the 96th minute, momentarily putting themselves back on top of the conference standings.
However, the joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, in the 100th minute, Daniel Steres, a local hero and former Galaxy player, scored a stunning goal for Houston, dashing the Galaxy’s hopes. Steres’ goal not only shifted the match but also the playoff seeding, pushing the Galaxy down the standings.
The team that benefited most from this rollercoaster finish? LAFC. They capitalized on the chaos by securing a 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, with their own stoppage-time goal helping them clinch the top seed in the Western Conference. LAFC finished level on points with the Galaxy but claimed the top spot on a goal-difference tiebreaker.
The dust has settled, and the MLS playoff field is set with 18 teams—nine from each conference. Here’s how the matchups shape up for the upcoming postseason:
The playoffs kick off on Tuesday, October 22, with teams gearing up for the high-stakes competition. For Inter Miami, the goal is clear—capitalize on their record-breaking season and go all the way. For others, like Atlanta United, it’s about making the most of a second chance they fought hard for.
The Western Conference promises equally thrilling encounters, with LAFC and the Galaxy both vying to prove they are the top team in Los Angeles. After such a wild finish to the regular season, the MLS playoffs are poised to be full of surprises, intense competition, and, of course, unforgettable moments.
As the postseason begins, fans across the country will be eagerly watching to see if Inter Miami’s dominance continues, if the Galaxy can bounce back from their heartbreak, or if an underdog will emerge as this year’s champion.
