Final Seeding set for 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs

Conference Quarterfinal Matchups to be Determined with the Return of Pick-Your-Opponent Format

The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro regular season came to a close on Sunday with an intense, drama-filled Decision Day, as the three available postseason spots were filled and the final seeding was determined for the upcoming 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. The top eight Clubs in each conference (16 total) qualify for the Playoffs.

The stage is now set for the return of the popular Pick-Your-Opponent format to determine the matchups for the opening round, the Conference Quarterfinals. The complete Quarterfinals schedule and matchups are expected to be announced Thursday, October 9.

Seeding for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs:

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. St Louis CITY2 (62 points, 17-5-6)
2. The Town FC (52 points, 14-8-6)
3. Colorado Rapids 2 (51 points, 15-8-5)
4. Real Monarchs (51 points, 13-7-8)
5. MNUFC2 (44 points, 12-10-6)
6. North Texas SC (43 points, 11-11-6)
7. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (42 points, 11-12-5)
8. Ventura County FC (41 points, 11-11-6)

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. New York Red Bulls II (58 points, 17-6-5)
2. Philadelphia Union II (58 points, 15-5-8)
3. New England Revolution II (54 points, 14-7-7)
4. Chattanooga FC (53 points, 13-6-9)
5. Huntsville City FC (52 points, 14-8-6)
6. Chicago Fire FC II (48 points, 12-9-7)
7. FC Cincinnati 2 (41 points, 9-12-7)
8. Carolina Core FC (39 points, 8-10-10)

Entering Decision Day, only one of the eight playoff spots remained in the Western Conference, with three teams separated by just three points competing for it. By the conclusion of Decision Day, North Texas SC claimed the last position.

The Eastern Conference also ended with a photo finish, with two playoff spots available going into Sunday. Five teams separated by only two points fought to advance, with FC Cincinnati 2 and Carolina Core FC booking trips to the postseason.

The No. 1 overall seed (best regular season record) was determined prior to Decision Day, with St Louis CITY2 (62 points, 17-5-6) clinching the accomplishment on September 28. St Louis CITY2’s high-powered offense saw the Club lead the Western Conference in goals scored, while a steadfast defense that saw the team concede the second-fewest goals in the Conference, contributed to the best Goal Differential (+24). En route to its fourth consecutive MLS NEXT Pro Playoff appearance, St Louis CITY2 set a new League record by going on an 18-match unbeaten streak (May 18-September 28).

In the Eastern Conference, the No. 1 seed was determined on Decision Day between New York Red Bulls II (58 points, 17-6-5) and Philadelphia Union II (58 points, 15-5-8). Both Clubs entered Decision Day tied on points, with New York Red Bulls II holding the advantage through the first tiebreaker (regulation wins). With both teams earning victories on Decision Day to bring their totals to 58 points each, the tiebreaker went to Michael Bradley’s New York Red Bulls II. Bradley, in his first professional head coaching role, led New York Red Bulls II to a No. 1 seed after being appointed to the role on June 12, 2025.

The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs will feature 15 single elimination matches over the course of four consecutive weekends, with three rounds leading to MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Matchups are determined through the Pick-Your-Opponent process for the first two rounds, the Conference Quarterfinals and Semifinals.

The round-by-round format and schedule follows:

• Conference Quarterfinals: October 17 – 19 (four matches per conference)
  • 1-3 seeds in each conference will host and select their opponent from the No. 5-8 seeds
  • 4 seed will host the remaining Club
• Conference Semifinals: October 24 – 26 (two matches per conference)
  • The highest remaining seed in each conference will select and host an opponent from the two lowest seeded teams
  • The two remaining Clubs will face each other, with the higher of the two seeds hosting
• Conference Finals: October 31 – November 2 (one match per conference)
  • The higher remaining seed in each conference will host the other remaining Club
• MLS NEXT Pro Cup: November 7 – 9 (one match)
  • The Club with the highest regular season points total will host the other remaining Club

All MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs and MLS NEXT Pro Cup will air live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.