MLS Decision Day rarely lacks drama, and this year two young USMNT players will fight to keep their seasons alive
MLS often gets knocked for lacking regular-season drama, but Decision Day is a notable exception. The annual showcase features all 30 teams playing in two conference-based time slots on the final day of the regular season. Modeled after the Premier League’s simultaneous finales – with a touch of NFL RedZone frenzy – it delivers nonstop stakes.
Last year offered plenty: D.C. United’s Christian Benteke had an MVP-caliber campaign end in heartbreak, while LAFC leapfrogged the LA Galaxy for the West’s top seed after trailing nearly all season.
This year promises similar tension. The Eastern Conference field is set, but seeds No. 2 through No. 9 are still in play. In the West, four teams – FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapids and the San Jose Earthquakes – are vying for two play-in spots. For USMNT hopefuls Diego Luna (RSL) and Paxten Aaronson (Colorado), those matches could also be chances to impress Mauricio Pochettino in pressure-filled moments.
What's at stake on Decision Day? GOAL takes a look.
Getty Images SportNo. 2 in sight for Inter Miami
Inter Miami's season hasn't been short on headlines – from the controversy of Lionel Messi skipping the All-Star game to the transfer pursuit of Neymar to the blockbuster signing of Rodrigo De Paul. On the pitch, it’s been nearly as turbulent. The Herons made history at the Club World Cup, but also sustained heavy defeats, losing by three or more goals four times in league play.
Yet, despite the chaos, Messi is looking to repeat as MLS MVP and Miami still have a real shot at finishing second in the East – an impressive position given everything that’s unfolded. They’re level on 62 points with FC Cincinnati, who hold the edge on tiebreakers and goal differential.
For Miami to climb, they’ll need struggling CF Montréal to pull off a surprise result against Cincinnati at TQL Stadium – a tall order, but not impossible given Montréal’s recent win over playoff-bound Austin FC. However, Miami must also handle their own business against a solid Nashville side that just lifted the U.S. Open Cup.
And that matchup carries even more intrigue. Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 26 goals. The Argentine has the MVP race all but locked up, but securing the scoring title for the first time would be another milestone.
AdvertisementImagnLuna, Aaronson fight to extend seasons
Luna has blossomed under Pochettino, making 14 appearances this year and scoring three goals. Odds are he'll have a spot on the team's World Cup roster. Still, it would be less than ideal for the Real Salt Lake star to miss the playoffs.
If RSL fall short, their season ends – and with it, potentially two extra months of competitive matches. That could affect Luna, who would be without club action until late February 2026.
Fortunately for Luna and RSL, they’ll face a St. Louis CITY SC side long out of playoff contention. While that doesn’t guarantee three points, it’s a far more favorable draw than what their Rocky Mountain rivals, the Colorado Rapids, are facing. Win, and RSL are in.
Luna’s place in Pochettino’s plans appears secure, but that’s not necessarily the case for the Rapids’ Aaronson or goalkeeper Zack Steffen. Aaronson – younger brother of USMNT midfielder Brenden – returned to MLS to be a focal point on a playoff-caliber team and raise his profile. Instead, it’s been a struggle. Colorado have just one win in the six matches since his arrival.
Steffen, meanwhile, was once firmly in contention for a USMNT goalkeeper spot before injuries stalled his momentum. He excelled in knockout settings last year during the Leagues Cup, and a playoff run could be the showcase he needs.
But first, Colorado have to get there. They host a surging LAFC side in a must-win match – and even then, they’ll need help, with either Dallas or RSL dropping points elsewhere. One source of hope: their history at home against LAFC. The Rapids haven’t lost to Steve Cherundolo’s team at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park since 2018 – LA's first season in MLS.
The last time they met on Decision Day, in 2021, Colorado’s 5-2 win clinched first place in the West. That said, the Rapids have yet to face Son Heung-Min, arguably the league’s second-best player. It promises to be one of the matchday's most compelling matchups, with a full house expected in Commerce City.
Getty Images SportSon could make history
Speaking of Son, he has a chance to make MLS history in just his 10th league match. If the South Korean superstar scores a brace against the Rapids, he would tie Mamadou Diallo (10 games in 2000) and Carlos Ruiz (10 games in 2002) for the quickest debutants to score 10 goals in MLS.
If he notches a hat-trick, he would set the record. In a league that has featured several world-class goalscorers – including Thierry Henry, David Villa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Messi – that would be impressive. But Son chasing history isn't the only thing at stake for LAFC. Denis Bouanga is second in the Golden Boot chase, sitting behind Messi with 24 goals.
A win against Colorado could seal the second seed for the club, depending on whether new rival San Diego FC drop points. San Diego sit just one point ahead of LAFC, who have a 6-1-2 record since Son's arrival.
Getty Images SportWill Muller and Vancouver claim top seed?
Thomas Muller isn't as widely discussed as Messi or Son, but he's not far off the impact of both superstars. Since the former Bayern Munich star's arrival in July, the Vancouver Whitecaps are unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions (7-0-4). Their streak pushed them ahead of San Diego in the race for the best in the West, with Muller notching six goals and three assists in six league matches.
Muller and Vancouver can secure the top seed in the West, but it won't be easy, as they host playoff hopeful FC Dallas. If Dallas beat Vancouver at BC Place, their trip to the playoffs is secured. If they don't, teams below them in the standings could claim their spot.
If there's one area in which Vancouver will feel they have the edge, it's on defense. Dallas are one of the worst teams in defense among potential playoff teams, allowing 54 goals this season. Vancouver have scored the second-most goals in MLS this season after Miami with 65, and they have the second-best defense in the league – allowing just 35.
All signs point to a positive result for the Whitecaps, though stranger things have happened in MLS.
