USMNT MLS Recap (Decision Day): Two clean sheets and a concerning injury for USMNT stars

Decision Day has come and gone. And there was no shortage of drama, from Chicago's near-collapse to the LA Galaxy completing a fall out of the playoff picture on the final day. Let's break some of the action down and the role USMNT players had.

Chicago loses high-scoring thriller against Columbus, but will remain in a top-four slot

For the Chicago Fire, it was quite simple: win and clinch a top-four spot. Lose, and hope Inter Miami helps you out. The Fire could not do it themselves, but Miami did give them a hand with a result against Charlotte FC

In terms of Chicago's game, the Fire held three leads over the course of the game. Two of those leads were secured by Robert Lewandowski. But each time the Fire scored, Columbus responded to keep their own seeding hopes alive. Ultimately, the Crew prevailed with a late winner. American goalkeeper Chris Brady was in net for the Fire; he recorded two saves during the match.

Schwake's clean sheet defeats Cincinnati, condemns them to a Wild Card spot

In consecutive weeks, Nashville has spoiled the Eastern Conference playoff race. After ending Red Bull New York's postseason hopes last week, Nashville went into Cincinnati and earned a 2-0 win against an FC Cincinnati side that was looking to avoid the Wild Card round. Cincinnati could have done so with a win, but USMNT goalkeeper Brian Schwake's third clean sheet in four games acted as yet another wrench thrown into Decision Day's early proceedings.

Red Bull New York wins final game of the season behind Adri Mehmeti's goal

While Red Bull New York's playoff hopes came to an abrupt end last season, there was still plenty of USMNT-related involvement in the club's 3-0 win against Atlanta United. In particular, Adri Mehmeti scored the first goal of the match in the 31st minute of play. Julian Hall was also involved in the match, playing the full match and recording a shot on target.

Sullivan Show helps Philadelphia defeat Toronto FC, secure top-seven seeding

Both Sullivan brothers scored as the Philadelphia Union secured a 4-1 win over Toronto FC. Cavan Sullivan recorded a brace, while Quinn Sullivan converted a 41st-minute penalty and added an assist. Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield also appeared in the match. Josh Sargent scored the lone goal for Toronto FC; Djordje Mihailovic recorded the assist on the goal.

Unfortunately, Cavan Sullivan was subbed off with an apparent leg injury. His status is uncertain, which is bad news for the USMNT, especially after Gio Reyna was forced to pull out due to injury and was replaced by Jack McGlynn.

Orlando City holds off New England, escapes Wild Card round at the final time of asking

The New England Revolution needed a win and anything less than an Inter Miami win against Charlotte to get back into second place in the Eastern Conference. Miami did their job, but the Revolution couldn't do theirs, losing 1-0 to Orlando City. But even with the three points and Cincinnati's loss to Nashville in mind, the Columbus Crew's win against Chicago meant that Orlando City would fall a point shy of escaping the Wild Card round.

Justin Ellis was on the bench for Orlando City but was not involved in the match. Matt Turner made three saves in the contest for New England.

Clean sheet for Matt Freese as New York City FC ends the 2026 season on a positive note

Despite missing the playoffs, New York City FC was able to end its season with a 1-0 win against D.C. United. Goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded a clean sheet and four saves in the win, while Talles Magno scored the winner for New York City FC in the 87th minute

Another substitute appearance for Damion Downs as St. Louis City improves seeding

St. Louis City might have been entering this game with an unimpressive run of form, but they did well to earn an additional three points heading into the postseason. Their 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo helped them move up to third in the Western Conference. Damion Downs came on in the 81st minute of play, recording a shot on target during his short spell in the match.

Roldan plays a big role as the Seattle Sounders clinch a postseason berth

The Seattle Sounders entered Decision Day on the outside looking in, more than likely needing a win and help elsewhere to secure a postseason spot. They got that and then some on Saturday. Not only did Salt Lake keep the LA Galaxy out of the playoffs, but the Sounders were able to take their place by virtue of a 2-1 win over LAFC.

The Sounders raced out to an early lead and never looked back; even with a second-half LAFC goal in mind, Seattle essentially ensured the victory after just half an hour. Cristian Roldan recorded an assist on one of the two Seattle goals.

What's next?

In a week-and-a-half, the MLS Cup Playoffs will begin with the Wild Card round. The Eastern Conference Wild Card game will see Orlando City host Cincinnati, while the Western Conference Wild Card contest will feature the Seattle Sounders and Salt Lake.

After that, the remaining 16 teams do battle in a seeded bracket. That portion begins with the first round, which will take on a best-of-three format and begin on November 20.

In the Eastern Conference, Nashville will play the winner of the Eastern Conference Wild Card, while Inter Miami will take on a red-hot Columbus Crew team. Meanwhile, the New England Revolution will take on the Philadelphia Union, and the Chicago Fire will contest their first-round series against Charlotte FC.

Out west, the top-seeded Vancouver Whitecaps will have home-field advantage in their first-round series against the winner of the Western Conference Wild Card. The Portland Timbers' win against Austin ensured that all three Cascadia Cup teams would make the postseason; they will take on FC Dallas in the first round. At the same time, St. Louis City will take on LAFC, while San Jose's second postseason appearance in four years will start with a series against the Houston Dynamo.

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