MLS Cup Playoffs Round 1: Winners, Losers, and the Road Ahead

We’re back! After a little time away from the mics, we return with a packed episode breaking down all the chaos, dominance, and controversy from Round 1 of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

This week, we sort through the biggest winners and losers from an opening round that went mostly chalk except for a few teams who made a statement and a few who completely fell apart. We break down:

• Inter Miami’s revenge tour, Messi’s insane scoring streak, and what this means for their title hopes.
• FC Cincinnati’s rivalry redemption, knocking out Columbus in a gritty Game 3.
• San Diego FC’s historic expansion season, and whether they’re legit contenders or simply riding early season magic.
• The MLS scheduling disaster caused by FIFA breaks and why this three week playoff pause is driving fans crazy.
• Charlotte FC’s collapse as the only top four seed to bow out.
• The embarrassing moment that overshadowed the Chicago Fire’s playoff return.