The Western Conference playoff race has been top-heavy all year; three teams have occupied the top three spots until LAFC overtakes one of them. There are now four teams considered to be the playoff leaders in the Western Conference, while others are hoping they can pull off an upset.

There are nine teams in the East that can win it all. The same cannot be said for the West, as they are top-heavy while other regions struggle to stay in the competition.

The top teams in the league are expected to win the Western Conference and have the best chance of advancing to the MLS Cup, but do the weaker teams have a chance of advancing?

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Will the one you love most win or lose?

loser of the west

The battle between the last two seeds in the West appears to be in vain as the winner will face San Diego FC, a team that has been the best team in the West all season and has been one of MLS’s great surprises this season.

Real Salt Lake and the Portland Timbers are both struggling in different ways this season. Portland has slowly slipped down the standings, much like the playoff seed they once were. Salt Lake City, on the other hand, spent much of the season looking for opportunities on the outside as they ultimately found themselves in the ninth seed.

Dallas and Austin both have negative goal differentials and will have a hard time overtaking the top teams they will face in the playoffs. Both teams can stay in the game and score enough points to draw in equal competition, but can’t outscore their opponents.

favorite

I included Seattle because they performed well in the League Cup and represented MLS in the Club World Cup. They have a solid roster that can build on the backing of one of the best supporter groups in the league.

They may be considered underdogs since they are the fifth seed in this competitive group, but I think if they can survive the first round, they can advance.

Minnesota is a team that I thought could win the MLS Cup, but they struggled all year long at the top of the Western Conference before injuries knocked them to fourth place, leading to that.

While some players are returning or have returned, their injuries may make it difficult to return; that doesn’t mean they are 100%.

I pick LAFC to win the Western Conference and reach the MLS Cup. With the two-headed monster of Son and Dennis Bouanga, they have one of the deadliest offenses in the league. Since their recent spark, since the addition of Heung-min Son, I think they’re going to have the best offense this postseason and prove that they’re a force in the playoffs.

Vancouver and San Diego are two surprising teams in the West that have been consistent all year. Vancouver slipped earlier this year but has recovered since Mueller joined.

San Diego has built this team into a durable franchise because they have a team in their prime playing the best football of their lives. Unfortunately, I think they’re going to be a disappointment in the league because I see them losing in the second round.

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Record date October 17, 2025