Where the USMNT stand as World Cup inches closer
Pro Soccer Wire’s Seth Vertelney breaks down the current state of the USMNT after a solid finish to an up and down 2025.
Sports Pulse
The road to MLS Cup 2025 has reached its final four.
Here’s what’s on tap:
In the Eastern Conference final, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami host the biggest underdog left in what has been a very chalk MLS Cup Playoffs, New York City FC. NYCFC — the conference’s No. 5 seed — has upset Charlotte FC and the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union en route to Saturday’s showdown in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Messi and Miami would host MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 6 with a win.
In the Western Conference final, San Diego FC is on a quest to complete the greatest expansion season in league history. Standing in their way on Saturday are the Vancouver Whitecaps. In their 15-season MLS existence, this is the furthest in the playoffs that the Whitecaps have progressed.
Here’s how USA TODAY Network soccer experts see how conference finals of the MLS playoffs will play out, including bonus picks for MLS Cup:
MLS playoff predictions, picks for conference finals
Inter Miami vs. New York City FC
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- Jim Reineking: Vancouver Whitecaps
- Jacob Shames: Vancouver Whitecaps
- Seth Vertelney: San Diego FC
- James Weber: San Diego FC
MLS Cup 2025
- Jim Reineking: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
- Jacob Shames: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
- Seth Vertelney: Inter Miami over San Diego FC
- James Weber: Inter Miami over San Diego FC
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