Dark Horse Alert: 3 MLS Teams Poised to Storm Into Playoff Contention This Fall
With August progressing steadily, the MLS campaign approaches its concluding phase as the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs come into focus.
Despite nine available positions in each conference making the playoffs somewhat expanded with teams having minimal championship prospects, the format still provides opportunities for clubs with disappointing seasons to reverse their fortunes.
Currently entering Matchday 28, six MLS teams sit within 10 points of the final playoff position, while five squads presently above the playoff threshold hold less than a three-point advantage. This creates substantial potential for shifts, given most teams have nine to 11 matches left to play.
Sports Illustrated examines three clubs currently outside playoff contention that could secure postseason berths when the regular season concludes on Decision Day, October 18.
Real Salt Lake—10th in West
Real Salt Lake sits merely one point beneath the Western Conference playoff threshold, but possesses strong postseason prospects following their recent surge with four victories in six matches.
Though they'll be without USMNT midfielder and top scorer Diego Luna this weekend versus Charlotte FC, they've received improved performances from Diogo Gonçalves and Zavier Gozo.
Simultaneously, their defensive stability has remained solid, avoiding conceding more than two goals per match since their May defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and surrendering multiple goals only three times across their previous 10 contests.
The team's primary concern has been resolved in attack through Victor Olatunji's acquisition from Sparta Prague, addressing a gap that had troubled them previously.
Projected points total: 43
Houston Dynamo—12th in West
The Houston Dynamo have encountered a difficult period, recording two draws and equal losses in their past four matches, yet possess the components to begin improving. Additionally, they face one of the more manageable remaining schedules, featuring weaker opponents like San Jose Earthquakes, St. Louis CITY SC, LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City.
While requiring substantial contributions from influential USMNT midfielder Jack McGlynn, they can rely on striker and top scorer Ezequiel Ponce, plus midseason acquisition Ondřej Lingr, who continues adapting to MLS.
Houston's primary weakness lies in defense, having allowed 41 goals, ranking eighth in the Western Conference. This remains a limiting factor, particularly given how crucial fullbacks Felipe Andrade and Griffin Dorsey are to their offensive play.
Are Houston's playoff chances strong? Not particularly, but they maintain realistic hopes considering the remaining points available.
Projected points total: 40
New England Revolution—11th in East
The New England Revolution trail further than the previous two clubs and recently endured 11 matches without victory. However, they present the most compelling upside potential given their favorable remaining fixtures and USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner's recent arrival.
Throughout much of the campaign, the Revolution struggled to establish lineup consistency while experiencing goalkeeping difficulties, resulting in 35 goals conceded—eighth-worst in the Eastern Conference.
Nevertheless, recent weeks have brought goalkeeping stability through Turner's European return, plus roster streamlining including veteran forward Maxi Urruti's departure after disappointing performances.
Carles Gil appears rejuvenated after establishing the club record for most goal contributions against D.C. United last weekend, while players like Alhassan Yusuf and Matt Polster show signs of improvement. They're also reportedly pursuing highly-regarded Israeli forward Dor Turgeman, who could provide late-season reinforcement.
Despite sitting eight points behind Chicago Fire FC for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, facing winnable opponents including Toronto FC, Chicago, and Atlanta United in remaining fixtures makes a postseason berth achievable for head coach Caleb Porter's team.
Projected points total: 42