Decision Day kept up with the recent theme of upsets around every corner, giving all 16 playoff teams plenty to think about in the next week.
The top four in each conference will spend their time calculating how to get the most of their Pick-Your-Opponent for the opening round of the playoffs.
The recent run of upsets prove that 2025 is one of those years where anyone can beat anyone during any given matchweek, so there will be no easy outs from now until the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final in November.
Read more about the final set of the 2025 Top 10 Power Rankings below:
Slipping on Decision Day with an upset loss to Timbers2, St Louis CITY2’s record unbeaten streak was halted at 18.
Still, they’ve enjoyed the most dominant campaign in the league and enter the playoffs as heavy favorites to come out of the Western Conference.
No pressure, right?
Last match: 2-1 loss at Portland Timbers2
Next match: TBD
Finishing second in the East, but with the best goal differential (+30) in all of the league, Philadelphia Union II are a serious threat to defend their Eastern Conference championship crown.
Union II and first-year head coach Ryan Richter finished the year rolling on a five-game winning streak.
Last match: 4-3 win vs. NYCFC II
Next match: TBD
The Town FC represent the second seed in the West and, like CITY2, were brought down to earth in the final week of the season.
On the flip side, this is a team that rattled off a dominant seven-game win streak in the middle of the year.
Last match: 2-1 loss vs. Austin FC II
Next match: TBD
What a week it was for Chattanooga FC, who will make history as the first-ever independent MLS NEXT Pro team to host a playoff match.
Having to finish a rain-delayed contest at Atlanta United 2 (who were fighting for their playoff lives) on Thursday, just to host them three days later, Chattanooga survived a side throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at them.
With at least one more game at the raucous Finley Stadium, CFC fans can daydream about getting upsets elsewhere to cheer them on at home until the very end.
Last match: 1-1 tie, SOW vs. ATL UTD2
Next match: TBD
Likely some bulletin board material, the top Eastern Conference seed lands in the five spot for the final edition of this year’s Top 10.
A couple of upset results to close out September proved New York Red Bulls II are beatable, but their second-best goals scored (62) give just as many reasons to be feared by the opponent they pick for the first round of the playoffs.
Last match: 2-1 win vs. TFC II
Next match: TBD
Just missing the cut to host playoff games, Huntsville City FC did everything in their power to earn a better fortune in their convincing 3-0 win over fellow playoff debutant Carolina Core FC.
Safe to say they will likely be the team nobody wants to pick, given their three-game winning streak.
If that means they fall to Chattanooga, they get a fourth swipe at their regional rival, who swept them in three regular-season clashes.
Last match: 3-0 win vs. Carolina Core FC
Next match: TBD
The first-ever Playmaker of the Year recipient Marcos Dias balled out yet again, adding two more assists to push the single-season record to 13, and helped lead New England Revolution II earn a 5-2 bounceback win.
They’ll get the benefit of picking their first-round opponent and will have plenty to consider after a mixed bag of results against their potential opponents during the regular season.
Last match: 5-2 win at Inter Miami II
Next match: TBD
One of the most consistent teams in the West all year, Colorado Rapids 2 landed the plane in style with a road win over a fellow playoff contestant.
Erik Bushey's side has looked like a team poised for a deep playoff run all year, and they get to choose their opponent to start that journey on Thursday.
Last match: 2-0 win at Ventura County FC
Next match: TBD
A shootout win closed out the season on a positive note for Chicago Fire FC II, who snapped a three-game losing streak.
And a brace from striker Jason Shokalook kept the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot in the Windy City for another year.
They will be up for selection in the first round of the playoffs, simultaneously, a team none of the top three would exactly be enthusiastic about facing. Interesting times ahead.
Last match: 3-3 tie, SOW at Columbus Crew 2
Next match: TBD
Closing the season with four multi-goal wins, Real Monarchs went from a Western Conference sleeper contender to earning a host seed.
Not shabby at all for a side that only got one win out of their first seven games.
Last match: 4-1 win vs. Whitecaps FC 2
Next match: TBD
