Decision Day 2025 is upon us and to say there is a lot going on would be an understatement.
Let's dive in, shall we?
What's at stake?
In the Eastern Conference: Five teams are in the hunt for the last two playoff positions, three teams battle for two hosting seeds, and one Pick-Your-Opponent position.
In the West: Three teams are in the hunt for the final playoff position, and two teams battle for a Pick-Your-Opponent position.
The full list of Decision Day scenarios is available here.
Independent pride
Fans of both of MLS NEXT Pro's independent teams have been holding their breath for the last few weeks, and Decision Day will not offer a reprieve from that, as both find themselves in high-stakes battles.
Chattanooga FC have already clinched their first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup Playoffs berth, but remain uncertain if they'll be hosting games at Finley Stadium. Drawing over 12,000 fans in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup this year, CFC have an undeniable home field advantage over most, if not all, in the league.
Chattanooga fans will need their side to accentuate their current seven-game unbeaten run with a win, and hope New England Revolution II drops points against Inter Miami II.
Carolina Core FC are in the center of the Eastern Conference drama.
They come into Decision Day holding seventh place in the East, but have to go for the win on the road at Huntsville City FC.
With five teams still in the hunt for the final two Eastern Conference spots, CCFC hopes to avoid slipping into a web of scenarios that will require help elsewhere to stay alive. Huntsville City FC has proven to be a difficult opponent for CCFC with a 0-0 tie and shootout loss, and a 3-2 loss in prior meetings this season.
Award watch
The MLS NEXT Pro MVP presented by adidas is likely in the cast of players battling for the 2025 Golden Boot and (first-ever) Playmaker of the Year title.
Both of those races are tight between three frontrunners each. Read more about the contenders vying for the Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Year here.
Top matches to watch
Huntsville City FC vs. Carolina Core (1 PM ET | MLS Season Pass)
The one with the most riding on it: Huntsville needs their hosting seed, Carolina Core needs to secure their playoff status. Who blinks first?
Los Angeles FC 2 vs. North Texas SC (4 PM ET | (1 PM ET | MLS Season Pass)
The playoffs won't feel right without defending champs North Texas SC, who only need to grab one point to punch their ticket.
Orlando City B vs. FC Cincinnati 2 (1 PM ET | MLS Season Pass)
Two of the last teams alive in the East are going head-to-head. Both sides have some excellent players capable of match-winning magic. This is going to be fun.
Portland Timbers2 vs. St Louis CITY2 (4 PM ET | MLS Season Pass)
St Louis CITY2 are on an absolutely absurd 18-game unbeaten run to close out the year. Can they make it 19?
Full schedule
All Decision Day matches will stream on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV.
Eastern Conference, 1 PM ET:
Chattanooga FC vs. Atlanta United 2
Huntville City FC vs. Carolina Core
Inter Miami II vs. New England Revolution II
New York Red Bulls II vs. Toronto FC II
Orlando City B vs. FC Cincinnati 2
Philadelphia Union II vs. NYCFC II
Columbus Crew 2 vs. Chicago Fire FC II
Western Conference, 4 PM ET:
Los Angeles FC 2 vs. North Texas SC
MNUFC2 vs. Sporting KC II
Real Monarchs vs. Whitecaps FC 2
Tacoma Defiance vs. Houston Dynamo 2
Portland Timbers2 vs. St Louis CITY 2
The Town FC vs. Austin FC II
Ventura County FC vs. Colorado Rapids 2
