The MLS Cup Playoffs are here and the Columbus Crew aim to repeat as champions. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know, starting with how to watch the games.
 

How to Watch

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is your ticket to every MLS Cup Playoff game. Fox, FS1, and Fubo will also show select games, including the opening Crew vs. Red Bulls matchup on FS1 on Tuesday, October 29 at 6:45 p.m.
 

Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls Schedule

Game 1:

  • Date: Tuesday, Oct. 29
  • Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
  • Location: Lower.com Field | Columbus

Game 2:

  • Date: Sunday, Nov. 3
  • Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Red Bull Arena | Harrison, N.J.

Game 3 (if necessary):

  • Date: Sunday, Nov. 10
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Lower.com Field | Columbus


Columbus vs. New York Head-to-Head

  • Columbus and New York faced off only once in 2024, a thrilling season finale that ended in a 3-2 victory for the Crew. Malte Amundsen's impressive stoppage-time goal sealed the deal.
  • The Crew dominated possession in their victory over New York, controlling the ball for 70.5 percent of the match.
  • Columbus outshot the Red Bulls, 19 to 13.
     

First Round 101

The first round of the playoffs is a best-of-three series. Each game will have a winner, with overtime on tap to break ties after 90 minutes. If it's all even after the extra 30 minutes, the game goes to penalty kicks.

The higher seed will host the first match, followed by the lower seed hosting the second. If the series is tied after two games, the higher seed will host the deciding match.


Crew Regular Season Accolades

What's black and white and yellow all over? The list of MLS year-end award finalists. Crew boast a finalist across five different categories. Only Inter Miami have more names on the list, with six. Here's the rundown of Crew nominations.

  • Coach of the Year: Wilfried Nancy
  • MVP: Cucho Hernández
  • Defender of the Year: Steven Moreira
  • Goalkeeper of the Year: Patrick Schulte
  • Impact Award: Darlington Nagbe
     

Other Matchups to Watch

Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United - Game 2: Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Supporters Shield winning Miami is the team to beat in the MLS Cup Playoffs. After failing to defeat Atlanta in the regular season (0-1-1), Miami won G1 by a 2-1 scoreline over Atlanta.

LAFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps - Game 1: Sunday, Oct. 27 at 9:45 p.m. ET

While LAFC is the obvious choice on paper, Vancouver's dominant Wild Card victory has injected uncertainty into the series.

Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo - Game 1: Monday, Oct. 28 at 9:00 p.m. ET

Seattle's playoff pedigree makes them a threat to any team, but Houston's recent form, including several impressive wins, could level the playing field.
 

Who to Watch on Other Teams

Lionel Messi
An exceptional season has made the Inter Miami legend a frontrunner for MLS MVP. He's the only player in the league to finish in the top three for goals and assists this year.

Denis Bouanga
LAFC’s reigning Golden Boot winner and 2022 MLS Cup Champion continues to impress. Bouanga led the league in scoring attempts this season and tied for second in goals scored.

Gabriel Pec
Riqui Puig has been instrumental in keeping the LA Galaxy playoff-bound, but it's Gabriel Pec's rookie season that has truly elevated the team. He led all rookies in combined goals and assists, eclipsing even Luis Suárez.