MLS predictions for all games on Decision Day 10/18/25

MLS predictions for all games on Decision Day 10/18/25

Eastern Conference Games (6:00 PM)

 

Atlanta United FC vs. D.C. United

• Analysis: This is a pride match. According to the table, both Atlanta (14th) and DC United (15th) are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. They’re playing at home, but motivation is low.
• Prediction: Draw (1-1)

Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union

• Analysis: Key game! Charlotte (4th) needs a win to secure home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Philadelphia (1st) has already secured the top seed in the conference (and possibly the Supporters’ Shield). Philly is likely to rotate players, while Charlotte is playing for everything.
• Prediction: Charlotte FC win (2-1)

Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls

• Analysis: Columbus (9th) is in the final Wild Card spot (playoffs). They need a win to try to climb to 7th place and avoid the knockout stage. The Red Bulls (10th) are eliminated. The Crew need a win.
• Prediction: Columbus Crew win (3-1)

FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montréal

• Analysis: Cincinnati (2nd) is tied on points with Inter Miami (62 pts) and needs a win to secure second place in the conference. Montreal (13th) is eliminated.
• Prediction: FC Cincinnati win (2-0)

Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF

• Analysis: Big game in the East! Nashville (6th) is still fighting for fourth place (home-field advantage). Inter Miami (3rd) needs a win to compete for second place. Lionel Messi (26 goals) is also looking to secure the Golden Boot, with Nashville’s Sam Surridge (23 goals) also in the mix. Both teams will be going all out.
• Prediction: Draw (2-2)

New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire FC

• Analysis: New England (11th) is eliminated. Chicago Fire (8th) is in the wild card spot and needs a win to try to jump to 7th place and avoid the playoffs. Chicago’s motivation will be much greater.
• Prediction: Chicago Fire win (1-2)

New York City FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC

• Analysis: A high-stakes interconference duel for the home team. NYCFC (5th) is tied on points with Charlotte for fourth place and needs a win. Seattle (5th in the West) appears to be locked into position, unable to move up or down, so they could rotate.
• Prediction: New York City FC win (2-0)

Toronto FC vs. Orlando City SC

• Analysis: Toronto (12th) is eliminated. Orlando City (7th, 53 pts) is in the last spot for direct playoff qualification, but has Chicago (52nd) and Columbus (51st) breathing down their necks. Orlando can’t speculate; it needs to win.
• Prediction: Orlando City SC wins (0-2)

Western Conference Games (9:00 PM)

Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC

• Analysis: Total drama! Colorado (10th, 40 pts) is tied with RSL (9th) and must win to have a chance of making the Wild Card. LAFC (3rd) wants to secure the highest possible seed (possibly 2nd) and its star player, Denis Bouanga (24 goals) , is chasing Messi for the Golden Boot. LAFC’s quality should trump Colorado’s desperation.
• Prediction: LAFC win (1-3)

LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United FC

• Analysis: A game with no impact on the standings. LA Galaxy (15th) is eliminated. Minnesota (4th) is locked into 4th place, so they have nothing to play for today. A mere game.
• Prediction: Draw (1-1)

Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FC

• Analysis: Another big game. Portland (7th) needs a win to secure its direct qualification spot and avoid falling into the Wild Card game. San Diego FC (2nd, 60 pts), in its inaugural season, needs to win and hope Vancouver (1st, 63 pts) loses to steal the top spot in the West.
• Prediction: Draw (2-2)

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Austin FC

• Analysis: San Jose (11th, 38 pts) has the toughest task: They need to win and hope for multiple losses from Dallas, RSL, and Colorado to have a wild card chance. Austin FC (6th) is already locked into their position. San Jose will win, but it probably won’t be enough.
• Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes win (2-1)

Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo FC

• Analysis: Another game of substance between two eliminated teams (SKC 14th, Houston 12th). They’ll play for pride at home.
• Prediction: Sporting Kansas City win (2-0)

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Real Salt Lake

• Analysis: Decisive! St. Louis (13th) is eliminated. Real Salt Lake (9th, 40 pts) is in the final Wild Card spot. They must win to secure their postseason berth, as Colorado is tied on points and San Jose is right behind.
• Prediction: Real Salt Lake wins (1-2)

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas

• Analysis: Western Conference Final! Vancouver (1st) needs a draw or a win at home to be crowned Western Conference champion. FC Dallas (8th, 41 pts) needs at least a point to secure its Wild Card spot. Vancouver’s motivation to be crowned champion at home will be high.