Soccer <\/p>\n
With less than two months until Decision Day, the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs race reaches another level during Matchday 31.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
FC Cincinnati<\/a> hope to return to the Eastern Conference summit by leapfrogging Supporters’ Shield leaders Philadelphia Union<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Then, the Portland Timbers<\/a> travel to Minnesota United FC<\/a> as the Western Conference contenders fight for playoff positioning.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Finally, Son Heung-Min<\/a> makes his home debut for LAFC<\/a> against San Diego FC<\/a> and Anders Dreyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Trailing Supporters’ Shield leaders Philadelphia by just two points, Cincinnati hope to snap a three-game home skid across all competitions and regain Eastern Conference supremacy with a statement win at TQL Stadium.<\/p>\n Brenner<\/a> could re-debut for Cincy; the Brazilian striker, who spent 2021-23 with the club, has returned on loan from Italian Serie A side Udinese. He’ll look to link up with Evander<\/a> and K\u00e9vin Denkey<\/a>, a dynamic duo that’s combined for 29 goals and 10 assists this season.<\/p>\n Even more, a Cincy win combined with a favorable result in the New York Red Bulls<\/a> vs. Columbus Crew<\/a> match could see them secure a playoff berth.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Philadelphia can become the first Eastern Conference team to qualify for the postseason this year via a win or draw, combined with the New York vs. Columbus result.<\/p>\n The Union have been a defensive juggernaut under head coach Bradley Carnell, conceding the fewest goals in the league (26). Nobody else is below 30, making the Union the only MLS team to concede fewer goals than games played.<\/p>\n Philadelphia don’t lack for firepower, though.<\/p>\n Israeli striker Tai Baribo<\/a> (16g\/3a) remains in contention for the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi, while fullback Kai Wagner<\/a> (2g\/10a) and midfielder Quinn Sullivan<\/a> (2g\/9a) provide creativity. They also recently added former San Diego standout Milan Iloski<\/a>, who has already produced 2g\/1a in four games (all competitions).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Minnesota are on pace for their best-ever MLS season, as a win would equal their highest-ever MLS point total (53 from 2019) with five matches still to play.<\/p>\n The Loons have thrived with a unique style of play as the only team in the league averaging under 40% possession, hitting their opponents on the counter, set pieces and long throw-ins.<\/p>\n Could this be Tani Oluwaseyi<\/a>‘s last game for Minnesota? The Canadian international forward is reportedly nearing<\/a> a move to LaLiga side Villarreal, putting an even greater spotlight on Joaqu\u00edn Pereyra<\/a>, Kelvin Yeboah<\/a>, Robin Lod<\/a> and newcomer Dominik Fitz<\/a> to lead the attack.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Whatever awaits Oluwseyi, MNUFC will look to fend off third-place Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a> and keep making history.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n \n