MLS Action Heats Up: Must-Watch Games During the Epic 2025 Sports Equinox
The 2025 sports equinox has arrived as every major American professional sports league will be active this evening, though soccer might get overlooked amid all the excitement.
Typically, the sports equinox encompasses only baseball, football, basketball and hockey. When all four premier American sports leagues are simultaneously playing, it creates this unofficial celebration, although MLS should also be included in the conversation.
Fans already face tough choices between the World Series, Monday Night Football, the NBA and NHL. That decision becomes even more challenging when factoring in the MLS Cup playoffs. And that's without even mentioning WWE's Monday Night Raw.
However, there are compelling MLS matchups worth considering if you have multiple screens set up for tonight.
Intense Rivalry Takes the Spotlight
The Hell is Real derby, among MLS's most intense rivalries, leads the playoff excitement as FC Cincinnati welcome the Columbus Crew.
These two Ohio clubs meet after Cincinnati and Columbus concluded second and seventh respectively in the Eastern Conference standings. The Crew hold the historical advantage with eight victories to four across all competitions, though this marks only their second playoff encounter.
Their initial postseason meeting occurred in 2023 during the conference championship. The Crew prevailed 3–2 before capturing the MLS Cup against LAFC. Over their previous 10 encounters, Cincinnati has managed just two wins, with their most recent triumph coming on May 11, 2024.
Supporters can expect at least two additional matches since the opening round of MLS playoffs features a best-of-three format.
Leagues Cup Champions Assume Seattle Sports Leadership
While the Seattle Mariners may have seen their campaign conclude disappointingly, the Emerald City has another team prepared to continue and provide postseason triumph.
The Seattle Sounders journey to St. Paul for a showdown with Minnesota United. The Sounders have already secured hardware this season by defeating Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup championship. Though players like Paul Rothrock mentioned drawing inspiration from the Mariners' momentum, they aim to achieve something greater.
Standing in their path is a strong Minnesota squad under Eric Ramsay's guidance. They thrive on a high-pressing approach and willingly surrender possession during matches. They also boast an MLS Goalkeeper of the Year candidate in Dayne St. Clair.
Seattle won't have the opportunity to seek retribution against a Toronto-based opponent, but they could deliver additional happiness to their city by claiming the MLS Cup.