MLS Cup Playoffs: Five Stars Who Dominated Round One—Power Rankings Revealed

The 2025 campaign began with 30 clubs harboring dreams of MLS Cup postseason success, but just eight squads remain following the completion of the opening round best-of-three matchups on Sunday.

Anders Dreyer's San Diego FC demonstrated their quality as they demolished Portland Timbers 4–0 in a crucial Game 3 encounter, securing their spot in the Western Conference semifinal. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, there was celebration for the expected duo of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami—they found their rhythm to overwhelm Nashville SC, with Messi predictably orchestrating everything positive for Javier Mascherano's squad.

Five of the eight best-of-three matchups required a deciding contest, delivering abundant drama, excitement and entertainment that energized MLS supporters as the Western and Eastern Conference championship matches draw nearer.

The playoffs continue on Nov. 22, taking a brief hiatus for the season's final international window, but before action resumes, Sports Illustrated highlights the top five performers from the opening playoff round.

5. Ralph Priso (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC dispatched FC Dallas with ease in a two-match sweep, and the 23-year-old Priso excelled in an unusual center-back role. In the opener, he contributed to a shutout as the Whitecaps crushed FC Dallas 3–0 at home, preventing the Texas side's attackers from registering a single attempt. 

Starting once more in Game 2 in Frisco, Texas, Priso remained solid despite Dallas's physical approach and intense pressure before ultimately netting the equalizer in second-half injury time to send the match to a penalty shootout. 

Guided by Thomas Müller, the Whitecaps converted flawlessly from the spot in the shootout, sealing the series victory and semifinal advancement—with the midfielder-turned-defender playing a pivotal role. 

4. Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United)

Few clubs depend on their goalkeeper as heavily as Minnesota United relies on Dayne St. Clair. The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year excels across multiple areas, shining in shot-stopping while also contributing through distribution and build-up play involvement. 

These qualities were on full display throughout the three-match series versus the Seattle Sounders. Beyond making 10 saves across three contests, he delivered crucial penalty stops in both Minnesota's Game 1 and Game 3 triumphs, which were settled via shootouts.

In the decisive third game, he even converted Minnesota's final penalty before Seattle's Andrew Thomas missed his attempt, sending the Loons into the next round. 

Though conceding seven goals over three matches might not impress statistically, his shootout heroics and build-up contributions established him as a first-round standout.

3. Son Heung-min (LAFC)

Experiencing a best-of-three format for the first time in his distinguished career, Son Heung-min wasted no time demonstrating his clutch capabilities. The South Korean icon guided LAFC to a sweep of Austin FC, contributing one goal and one assist while delivering memorable performances in both encounters. 

Across the two contests, he also created 10 scoring opportunities—more than any other MLS player, including those who participated in an additional match during three-game series. 

Entering the postseason, questions surrounded Son's effectiveness against elite MLS Cup playoff competition, given that much of his success since arriving had come against weaker opposition. The 32-year-old quickly silenced critics and demonstrated that his individual brilliance and chemistry with Denis Bouanga could propel LAFC on an extended playoff journey. 

2. Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)

The 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year delivered a memorable playoff debut as Western Conference top-seeded San Diego FC eliminated the Portland Timbers in three matches. The Danish sensation netted a hat-trick in a commanding 4–0 Game 3 triumph, concluding the series with three goals and two assists. 

In the series opener, Dreyer shouldered additional responsibility due to Hirving "Chucky" Lozano's absence and rose to the occasion. Subsequently, he sustained his excellent form even after Lozano's return to the lineup, despite the California club losing Game 2 in a shootout. 

Now preparing to face Minnesota United, Dreyer aims to continue making history in what may be remembered as the most remarkable expansion campaign in MLS annals. 

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Inter Miami required a Game 3 victory to settle their series against Nashville SC, but Lionel Messi effortlessly delivered magical moments throughout each encounter. 

In the opener, he registered two goals and one assist to power Miami to a 3–1 win, and in Game 2, he produced a spectacular late strike despite his team's eventual 2–1 defeat. This preceded his starring role in the decisive Game 3, where he recorded a double and two assists, bringing his series totals to five goals and three assists. 

He joined an exclusive group as just the 13th player in MLS history to score five goals during MLS Cup playoffs, while participating in every goal Miami netted in the opening round. Additionally, he led all MLS Cup playoff participants with seven shot attempts.