Today Is the Day: Conference Finals — Who Will Reach the MLS Cup Final?

The MLS Playoffs have reached their decisive moment. The Eastern and Western Conference Finals take place tonight, with four teams still chasing a coveted spot in the 2025 MLS Cup Final. Two completely different stories, two completely different journeys — but one identical goal: a place on the biggest stage in American soccer.

Inter Miami vs. New York City FC in the East.
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps in the West.

The favorites are clear, but MLS has never been a league that sticks to the script.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL — Inter Miami vs. New York City FC

Inter Miami enters tonight’s match as a heavy favorite, and for good reason. The club has spent years building toward moments like this, and now, after several close calls, they finally stand on the brink of their first-ever MLS Cup Final appearance.

Miami’s attack has torn through defenses all season long, and playing at home gives them another strong edge. This is more than just a match — it’s a test of the project, the philosophy, and the investment that shaped this team.

But across the pitch stands the team that has shocked the league: New York City FC — the biggest surprise of the 2025 MLS season. A roster that many had written off in February has grown into one of the league’s toughest units. NYCFC survived injuries, rebuilt lineups, and conquered difficult away matches to reach this point.

They enter Miami as underdogs — and as a team with absolutely nothing to lose. The question is simple: Can the overlooked, underestimated NYCFC pull off one more upset in South Florida?

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WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL — San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

If NYCFC is the surprise of the East, then San Diego FC is undoubtedly the miracle of the West. In their inaugural MLS season, San Diego didn’t behave like a newcomer — they played like contenders. Organized, disciplined, and remarkably balanced, the expansion club finished first in the Western Conference, sending a clear message: this project is ahead of schedule.

San Diego is not a feel-good story; they’re a legitimate force. But tonight they face a veteran, battle-tested opponent: Vancouver Whitecaps, a team that quietly put together one of their best seasons in recent years.

Vancouver already reached one major final this year — the CONCACAF Champions Cup — but fell short. Now, they have a second chance. A chance to prove they belong at the highest competitive level of North American soccer.

San Diego is the favorite. Vancouver is the experienced challenger. It’s a perfect playoff matchup.

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Four Big Stories, One Big Stage

MLS has once again delivered a postseason filled with unpredictability, breakthroughs, and unforgettable arcs: Inter Miami chasing long-awaited fulfillment of their ambition; NYCFC trying to shock the league one more time; San Diego FC attempting to make history in their very first season; Vancouver Whitecaps seeking redemption after a painful continental final loss.

By the end of the night, only two teams will remain. Tomorrow, the conversation will shift entirely to them — the finalists of the 2025 MLS Cup.