MLS Matchday 35: Crucial Weekend Battles for Playoff Positions

This weekend’s Matchday 35 could see several teams secure their spots in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, according to MLSsoccer.com. Three key matches are in focus.

Orlando City will face Nashville SC on Saturday as both teams vie for better positions in the Eastern Conference. Orlando is currently eighth with 48 points and aims for a sixth consecutive playoff appearance under coach Óscar Pareja. Nashville, fresh from a U.S. Open Cup semifinal victory with a hat trick from Sam Surridge, has struggled recently, losing five of their last six league games.

On Sunday, Austin FC will host the Seattle Sounders at Q2 Stadium. First-year coach Nico Estévez has led Austin to seventh place in the Western Conference, boosted by CJ Fodrey’s winning goal in the Open Cup semifinals. Seattle, having won the Leagues Cup three weeks ago, is close to playoff qualification and welcomes back key players Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák, despite a recent setback against Inter Miami.

The weekend wraps up with LAFC facing Real Salt Lake, just after a convincing 4-1 victory in Utah. LAFC’s Son Heung-min recorded his first MLS hat trick, while Denis Bouanga became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 94 goals, surpassing Carlos Vela. A win or draw would secure LAFC’s spot in the playoffs for the fourth straight year.