With less than eight games to play in the MLS regular season, every game becomes that much more important as we head down the stretch.
Teams that are on the edge of the playoffs have a lot on the line compared to the top teams that are fighting for the Supporters’ Shield.
Today’s games could be the end for some playoff dreams with a bad performance, while others will track their chances to make the playoffs or win the shield.
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Nashville vs Orlando
This game is by far the biggest of the night in terms of teams with talent at the top of the Eastern Conference table.
Both teams are tied with points as they sit just outside the Supporters’ Shield race. A win today will throw that team into the conversation, as well as a top-two spot in the East will be just an arm’s length away.
Both teams have had a stellar year as they have overachieved in their own way. Nashville was expected to be a team that was fighting for a playoff spot on the outside looking in. They have proved all year that they are a top team in the league.
Orlando has had young players step up alongside Designated players who have earned their spot as a DP and played well for City.
A playoff spot may not be on the line, a trophy race, and the advantage of seeding is all-important in the long MLS season.
Philadelphia vs Chicago
This game is important for opposite reasons for both teams. Philadelphia will be a playoff team, the question is, can they get the must-needed points to be in the driver’s seat for the shield?
Chicago has had an impressive year; they have fought to be a playoff team this season after being a bottom-feeder for the last few. Multiple teams are on their heels as they have to fend them off for the remainder of the season.
A trophy race is on the line for the Union, while Chicago is just trying to stay alive in the playoff race.
Teams collapse all the time in these playoff formats; teams that have played well all season hit a wall and fall to the bottom of the standings with just a few games to go.
Chicago wants to avoid that as they view this season as a building block year for the future. A Chicago win would also open up the door for the winner of Orlando and Nashville.
San Diego vs Portland
Portland has the least amount to lose today, though a loss could send them into a spiral; it won’t have everlasting effects on their season if they can bounce back in the following weeks.
San Diego, on the other hand, is on the verge of making history. They can become the first expansion team to win the Supporters’ Shield and become the top seed in the Western Conference.
A loss would put Cincinnati in the driver’s seat and possibly send San Diego to the third seed and two points behind.
The Shield race will be heated for the remainder of the season, as all the top teams are neck and neck, while a few others are a few steps away from being a dark horse in this race.
A win, on the other hand, will keep San Diego alive and well, at least for another week, as we get closer and closer to the conclusion of the regular season.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO/NurPhoto
Recording Date 16.08.2025