Overview
- Philadelphia clinched the Eastern semifinal by sweeping Chicago, with Tai Baribo’s first-half brace capping a series hindered for the Fire by absences for Philip Zinckernagel and goalkeeper Chris Brady.
- Vancouver reached the Western semifinal and will host LAFC at BC Place after Ralph Priso’s stoppage-time equalizer forced a shootout that sent Dallas out.
- LAFC eliminated Austin with a 4-1 Game 2 surge, powered by Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min after a narrow opening win.
- Five Round One series move to winner-take-all Game 3s: Cincinnati–Columbus, Inter Miami–Nashville, Charlotte–NYCFC, San Diego–Portland, and Minnesota–Seattle.
- Momentum-shifting results included Columbus’ 4-0 rout led by Max Arfsten, Charlotte’s penalty win in the Bronx, and Portland’s shootout victory after San Diego missed three straight spot kicks.