MLS Matchday 35 recap: NYCFC and LAFC clinch playoff berths, more clubs eliminated from contention

NYCFC and LAFC both clinched berths in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs during MLS Matchday 35. On the opposite end of the playoff push, LA Galaxy, Sporting Kansas City, and New England Revolution were eliminated from contention.

Denis Bouanga bagged a hat-trick for LAFC in their win over Real Salt Lake. Bouanga is now tied at 22 goals with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

The Philadelphia Union got back to their winning ways after a rough two matches last week. The Union picked up a 1-0 win at home courtesy of a late goal from Bruno Damiani. Philadelphia remains at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield table.

Here are five of the best matches from MLS Matchday 35.

Damiani gives Union a late win over New England

Bruno Damiani's goal in the 71st minute was just enough to give the Union three points over New England. With the loss, New England is now officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The Union had two rough matches coming into Saturday afternoon. They fell 7-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps in Matchday 33, and were then eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup by Nashville SC just three days later.

The Union returned to its normal winning ways on Saturday and remains the team to beat in MLS.

Bouanga bags hat-trick for LAFC to clinch playoff berth

LAFC are playoff-bound thanks to a hat-trick from Dennis Bouanga in a 4-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Sunday.

Bouanga equalized for LAFC, scoring in the 45+1', and then Son Heung-min doubled the lead just two minutes later in the 45+3'. Bouanga then scored in the 72nd and 86th minutes to seal his hat-trick and LAFC's playoff berth.

With Son on the roster now, LAFC looks like a real threat entering MLS's playoffs next month.

NYCFC becomes the next team in the East to clinch

NYCFC picked up a 2-0 clean sheet over Charlotte FC to become the next team in the Eastern Conference to punch their playoff ticket.

Alonso Martinez recorded a brace (11', 58') on the way to a win. Charlotte clinched their playoff spot the previous matchday, but a shutout loss is always going to sting, especially this close to the playoffs.

LA Galaxy is officially out of MLS's playoff race

After winning the MLS Cup last season, the LA Galaxy will not be able to defend its title this season. Injuries have plagued the Galaxy all season, and they have found themselves at the bottom of the league from the start of the season.

FC Cincinnati's 3-2 win over the Galaxy keeps them in second in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind the Union for the top spot.

Chicago blanks Minnesota United, 3-0

The Chicago Fire picked up a big 3-0 win over Western powerhouse Minnesota United. Minnesota has already clinched its playoff spot, but Chicago is sitting in ninth in the East and looks prime for a wild-card spot.

Three different players contribute to the scoreboard for Chicago. Still, they will have an important match on Saturday against the Columbus Crew, who sit one spot ahead of them in the conference.

Standings after Matchday 35

MLS's Eastern Conference

x - Philadelphia Union - 60 ptsx - FC Cincinnati - 58 ptsx - Charlotte FC - 53 ptsx - NYCFC - 53 ptsInter Miami - 52 ptsOrlando City - 51 ptsNashville SC - 50 ptsColumbus Crew - 50 ptsChicago Fire - 45 ptsNew York Red Bulls - 43 ptse - New England Revolution - 32 ptse - Toronto FC - 27 ptse - Atlanta United - 27 ptse - D.C. United - 25 ptse - CF Montreal - 24 pts

MLS's Western Conference

x - San Diego FC - 57 ptsx - Vancouver Whitecaps - 55 ptsx - Minnesota United - 54 ptsx - LAFC - 50 ptsSeattle Sounders - 45 ptsAustin FC - 44 ptsPortland Timbers - 42 ptsColorado Rapids - 39 ptsFC Dallas - 37 ptsHouston Dynamo - 36 ptsSan Jose Earthquakes - 35 ptsReal Salt Lake - 34 ptsSt. Louis City - 28 ptse - Sporting Kansas City - 27 ptse - LA Galaxy - 21 pts

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