The 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year had a playoff series to remember as Western Conference top-seed San Diego FC advanced past the Portland Timbers in three games. The Danish superstar scored a hat-trick in a dominant 4–0 Game 3 victory, and finished the series with three goals and two assists.

FC Cincinnati's march through the MLS Cup playoff will against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, who the Orange and Blue have not lost to this season.