2023 MLS Cup playoffs

The playoffs featured a new format from previous years with an expanded field of 18 teams—the top nine teams from each conference. The top seven teams in each conference automatically qualify for round one while the eighth and ninth-placed teams in each conference contested a single wild card match for the right to play the No. 1 seed in their conference, with only a penalty shoot-out occurring if the game was tied. Round one comprised a best-of-three format with higher seeds playing against lower seeds, for the first time since 1999. The round did not have the aggregate score kept, and tied matches proceeded directly to a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner. The remaining three rounds — the Conference Semifinals, Conference Final, and MLS Cup — were single-elimination matches played with extra time and a penalty shoot-out if still tied.{{cite news |date=February 21, 2023 |title=MLS adds best-of-3 series to expanded playoffs for 2023 season |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37636533/mls-adds-best-3-series-expanded-playoffs-2023-season |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 17, 2023}} The team with the better regular season record hosted the match in all rounds except for the best-of-three series in round one, where the lower-ranked team hosted the second of three possible matches. All matches were broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass, a streaming service operated by Apple.

The introduction of a best-of-three round and the expanded field, which allowed 62% of the league's 29 teams to qualify for the playoffs, were criticized for being more confusing and diluting the competition.{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jason |date=February 21, 2023 |title=MLS has a new playoff format, and it's complicated |url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2023/02/21/mls-playoff-format-2023/ |work=USA Today |department=Pro Soccer Wire |access-date=September 17, 2023}} It was the first major revamp of the playoff format since 2019, when all rounds were switched to single-elimination matches.{{cite news |last1=Maurer |first1=Pablo |last2=Rueter |first2=Jeff |date=February 21, 2023 |title=MLS expanding playoffs to 9 teams per conference, first round will be best-of-3 series: Sources |url=https://theathletic.com/4237475/2023/02/21/mls-playoff-new-format-2023/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 17, 2023}} The format added more matches, including home games for lower seeds, and was developed with fan input according to MLS officials; other outlets noted that new broadcaster Apple TV would benefit from the additional matches.{{cite news |last=Tannenwald |first=Jonathan |date=February 21, 2023 |title=MLS changes its playoff format again, now guaranteeing home games for more teams |url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/mls-playoffs-2023-format-schedule-change-20230221.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=September 17, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Peterson |first=Anne M. |date=February 21, 2023 |title=MLS expands playoffs to 9 teams from each conference |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-major-league-33b2844081968d33c972f3dcbc4b2a33 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=September 17, 2023}} The new playoff format was announced on February 21, 2023, shortly before the start of the regular season;{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=February 21, 2023 |title=MLS revamps and expands post-season format for upcoming 2023 season |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/mls-playoff-new-format-1.6755564 |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=September 17, 2023}} earlier media reports indicated that another format with a round-robin group stage was also considered.{{cite news |date=October 27, 2022 |title=What's driving MLS' reported playoff revamp? Is a World Cup-style postseason the right move? |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37633292/driving-mls-reported-expanded-reimagined-playoffs |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 17, 2023}}

Unlike regular season matches, playoff matches did not have a sixth substitute added for periods of extra time. Players were suspended for a match after accumulating three yellow cards; the suspension applied to the next match, whether it was in the playoffs or the 2024 regular season. In the event that a playoff match could not be played and neither team had forfeited or is at fault, the team with the higher points per game during the 2023 regular season would advance.{{cite web |date=October 27, 2023 |title=2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Media Guide |pages=8–10 |url=https://mlssoccer.app.box.com/s/kzhx8fncsyqcqggajeusvrnb6kcx3kqu/file/1343136500820 |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=October 29, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |date=October 29, 2023 |title=2023 MLS Competition Guidelines {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2023-mls-competition-guidelines |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |title=Competition Guidelines {{!}} MLSsoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/about/competition-guidelines |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}

The playoffs were contested by eighteen teams. The date listed indicates when each team qualified for the playoffs.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Eastern Conference

• Atlanta United FC (September 23){{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=September 23, 2023 |title=Atlanta United clinches MLS playoff berth with win over Montreal |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united/atlanta-united-clinches-mls-playoff-berth-with-win-over-montreal/7U6TK6PLYRETJL5BYVNMCHPE7I/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |accessdate=October 9, 2023}}
• Charlotte FC (October 21){{cite news |date=October 21, 2023 |title=Charlotte FC clinch Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/charlotte-fc-clinch-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-spot |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=October 21, 2023}}

• Columbus Crew (September 20){{cite news |date=September 21, 2023 |title=How things stand: Major League Soccer |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/97582/how-things-stand-major-league-soccer.html |work=Soccer America |url-access=subscription |accessdate=October 9, 2023}}
• FC Cincinnati (August 30){{cite news |last=Brennan |first=Pat |date=August 31, 2023 |title=FC Cincinnati has its playoff berth. Now, it's closing in on MLS history. |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2023/08/31/fc-cincinnati-clinches-mls-playoffs-supporters-shield-up-next/70726510007/ |work=The Cincinnati Enquirer |url-access=subscription |accessdate=September 17, 2023}}
• Nashville SC (September 30){{cite news |date=September 30, 2023 |title=Nashville SC clinch Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nashville-sc-clinch-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-spot |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=September 30, 2023}}

• New England Revolution (September 23){{cite news |date=September 23, 2023 |title=New England Revolution clinch Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-clinch-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-spot |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=September 23, 2023}}

• New York Red Bulls (October 21){{cite news |date=October 21, 2023 |title=New York Red Bulls clinch Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-york-red-bulls-clinch-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-spot |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=October 21, 2023}}

• Orlando City SC (September 20)
• Philadelphia Union (September 20)

{{col-break}}

;Western Conference

• FC Dallas (October 21){{cite news |date=October 21, 2023 |title=FC Dallas clinch Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/fc-dallas-clinch-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-spot |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=October 21, 2023}}

• Houston Dynamo FC (October 4){{cite news |last=Sigal |first=Jonathan |date=October 5, 2023 |title=Team of the Matchday: Five Western Conference teams clinch playoffs in Matchday 36 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/team-of-the-matchday-five-western-conference-teams-clinch-playoffs-in-matchday-3 |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=October 5, 2023}}
• Los Angeles FC (October 4)
• Real Salt Lake (October 4)
• St. Louis City SC (September 20){{cite news |last=Timmermann |first=Tom |date=September 21, 2023 |title=St. Louis City SC clinches playoff spot after tie with LAFC and results elsewhere |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/professional/mls/city-sc/st-louis-city-sc-clinches-playoff-spot-after-tie-with-lafc-and-results-elsewhere/article_74391b26-57ec-11ee-98e5-2f766cd8e167.html |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |accessdate=October 9, 2023}}
• San Jose Earthquakes (October 21){{cite news |date=October 21, 2023 |title=San Jose Earthquakes clinch Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/san-jose-earthquakes-clinch-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-spot |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=October 21, 2023}}

• Seattle Sounders FC (October 4)
• Sporting Kansas City (October 21){{cite news |date=October 21, 2023 |title=Sporting Kansas City clinch Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sporting-kansas-city-clinch-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-spot |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=October 21, 2023}}

• Vancouver Whitecaps FC (October 4)

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Eastern Conference

{{2023 Major League Soccer Eastern Conference table|show_limit=9|only_pld_pts=true|lowest_pos=9}}

{{col-break}}

Western Conference

{{2023 Major League Soccer Western Conference table|show_limit=9|only_pld_pts=true|lowest_pos=9}}

{{col-end}}

The higher seeded teams hosted single-elimination matches, with the MLS Cup host determined by overall points in the Supporters' Shield table. During the best-of-three round, the team with higher seed hosted the first match, and the third match if necessary.

{{18TeamBracket

|sets=1/3/1/1/1

|RD1=Wild card
single match

|RD2=Round one
best-of-three series

|RD3=Conference semifinals
single match

|RD4=Conference finals
single match

|RD5=MLS Cup
single match

|RD3-group1=Eastern Conference

|RD3-group2=Western Conference

|team-width = 180 |score-width = 35

|RD1-seed1=E8

|RD1-team1=New York Red Bulls

|RD1-score1= 5

|RD1-seed2=E9

|RD1-team2=Charlotte FC

|RD1-score2= 2

|RD1-seed3=W8

|RD1-team3={{nowrap|Sporting Kansas City {{pso}}}}

|RD1-score3= {{nowrap|0 (4)}}

|RD1-seed4=W9

|RD1-team4=San Jose Earthquakes

|RD1-score4= 0 (2)

|RD2-seed1=E1

|RD2-team1=FC Cincinnati

|RD2-score1-1= 3

|RD2-score1-2= {{nowrap|1 (8) }}

|RD2-score1-3= –

|RD2-seed2=E8

|RD2-team2=New York Red Bulls

|RD2-score2-1= 0

|RD2-score2-2= 1 (7)

|RD2-score2-3= –

| RD2-seed3=E4

| RD2-team3= Philadelphia Union

| RD2-score3-1= 3

| RD2-score3-2= 1

| RD2-score3-3= –

| RD2-seed4=E5

| RD2-team4=New England Revolution

| RD2-score4-1= 1

| RD2-score4-2= 0

| RD2-score4-3= –

|RD2-seed5=E3

|RD2-team5=Columbus Crew

|RD2-score5-1= 2

|RD2-score5-2= 2

|RD2-score5-3= 4

|RD2-seed6=E6

|RD2-team6=Atlanta United FC

|RD2-score6-1= 0

|RD2-score6-2= 4

|RD2-score6-3= 2

|RD2-seed7=E2

|RD2-team7=Orlando City SC

|RD2-score7-1= 1

|RD2-score7-2= 1

|RD2-score7-3= –

|RD2-seed8=E7

|RD2-team8=Nashville SC

|RD2-score8-1= 0

|RD2-score8-2= 0

|RD2-score8-3= –

|RD2-seed9=W1

|RD2-team9=St. Louis City SC

|RD2-score9-1= 1

|RD2-score9-2= 1

|RD2-score9-3= –

|RD2-seed10=W8

|RD2-team10={{nowrap|Sporting Kansas City}}

|RD2-score10-1=4

|RD2-score10-2= 2

|RD2-score10-3= –

|RD2-seed11=W4

|RD2-team11=Houston Dynamo FC

|RD2-score11-1=2

|RD2-score11-2= 1 (4)

|RD2-score11-3= {{nowrap|1 (4)}}

|RD2-seed12=W5

|RD2-team12=Real Salt Lake

|RD2-score12-1= 1

|RD2-score12-2= 1 (5)

|RD2-score12-3= 1 (3)

|RD2-seed13=W3

|RD2-team13= Los Angeles FC

|RD2-score13-1= 5

|RD2-score13-2= 1

|RD2-score13-3= –

|RD2-seed14=W6

|RD2-team14=Vancouver Whitecaps FC

|RD2-score14-1= 2

|RD2-score14-2= 0

|RD2-score14-3= –

|RD2-seed15=W2

|RD2-team15=Seattle Sounders FC

|RD2-score15-1= 2

|RD2-score15-2= 1

|RD2-score15-3= 1

|RD2-seed16=W7

|RD2-team16=FC Dallas

|RD2-score16-1= 0

|RD2-score16-2= 3

|RD2-score16-3= 0

|RD3-seed01= E1

|RD3-team01= FC Cincinnati

|RD3-score01=1

|RD3-seed02=E4

|RD3-team02= Philadelphia Union

|RD3-score02=0

|RD3-seed03= E3

|RD3-team03= Columbus Crew {{aet}}

|RD3-score03= 2

|RD3-seed04= E2

|RD3-team04= Orlando City SC

|RD3-score04= 0

|RD3-seed05= W8

|RD3-team05= {{nowrap|Sporting Kansas City}}

|RD3-score05= 0

|RD3-seed06= W4

|RD3-team06= Houston Dynamo FC

|RD3-score06= 1

|RD3-seed07= W3

|RD3-team07= Los Angeles FC

|RD3-score07= 1

|RD3-seed08= W2

|RD3-team08= Seattle Sounders FC

|RD3-score08= 0

|RD4-seed01=E1

|RD4-team01=FC Cincinnati

|RD4-score01=2

|RD4-seed02=E3

|RD4-team02=Columbus Crew {{aet}}

|RD4-score02=3

|RD4-seed03= W4

|RD4-team03= Houston Dynamo FC

|RD4-score03=0

|RD4-seed04= W3

|RD4-team04= Los Angeles FC

|RD4-score04=2

|RD5-seed01=E3

|RD5-team01=Columbus Crew

|RD5-score01=2

|RD5-seed02=W3

|RD5-team02=Los Angeles FC

|RD5-score02=1

}}

{{Football box

|id = WCE

|date = October 25

|time = 7:30 pm EDT

|team1 = New York Red Bulls

|score = 5–2

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/rbnyvsclt-10-25-2023/

|team2 = Charlotte FC

|goals1 =

• Elias Manoel {{goal|10||37||78}}
• Tolkin {{goal|26}}
• Barlow {{goal|56}}

|goals2 =

• Vargas {{goal|49}}
• Agyemang {{goal|64}}

|stadium = Red Bull Arena

|location = Harrison, New Jersey

|attendance = 16,074

|referee = Ismail Elfath

}}

{{Football box

|id = WCW

|date = October 25

|time = 8:30 pm CDT
{{small|(9:30 pm EDT)}}

|team1 = Sporting Kansas City

|score = 0–0

|penaltyscore = 4–2

|penalties1 =

• Russell {{pengoal}}
• Pulido {{penmiss}}
• Thommy {{pengoal}}
• Kinda {{pengoal}}
• Sallói {{pengoal}}

|penalties2 =

• {{penmiss}} Espinoza
• {{penmiss}} Yueill
• {{pengoal}} Skahan
• {{pengoal}} Akapo

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/skcvssj-10-25-2023/

|team2 = San Jose Earthquakes

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Children's Mercy Park

|location = Kansas City, Kansas

|attendance = 17,437

|referee = Allen Chapman

}}

{{ThreeLegStart|round-name=Match}}

|-

|colspan="6" bgcolor=#87CEFA align=center|Eastern Conference

{{ThreeLegResult|FC Cincinnati|| 2–0 |New York Red Bulls || 3–0 | 1–1 {{pso|8–7}} | — }}

{{ThreeLegResult|Orlando City SC|| 2–0 |Nashville SC|| 1–0 | 1–0 | —}}

{{ThreeLegResult|Columbus Crew|| 2–1 |Atlanta United FC|| 2–0 | 2–4 | 4–2}}

{{ThreeLegResult|Philadelphia Union|| 2–0 |New England Revolution|| 3–1 | 1–0 | —}}

|-

|colspan="6" bgcolor=#FFAEB9 align=center|Western Conference

{{ThreeLegResult|St. Louis City SC|| 0–2 |Sporting Kansas City|| 1–4 | 1–2 | — }}

{{ThreeLegResult|Seattle Sounders FC|| 2–1 |FC Dallas|| 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–0}}

{{ThreeLegResult|Los Angeles FC|| 2–0 |Vancouver Whitecaps FC|| 5–2 | 1–0 | —}}

{{ThreeLegResult|Houston Dynamo FC|| 2–1 |Real Salt Lake|| 2–1 | 1–1 {{pso|4–5}}| 1–1 {{pso|4–3}}}}

|}

{{Football box

|id = R1E1-1

|date = October 29

|time = 8:00 pm EDT

|team1 = FC Cincinnati

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/cinvsrbny-10-29-2023/

|team2 = New York Red Bulls

|goals1 =

• Barreal {{goal|23||89}}
• Acosta {{goal|35}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = TQL Stadium

|location = Cincinnati, Ohio

|attendance = 24,022

|referee = Rubiel Vazquez

}}

{{Football box

| id = R1E1-2

| date = November 4

| time = 7:00 pm EDT

| team1 = New York Red Bulls

| score = 1–1

| penaltyscore = 7–8

| penalties1 = *Fernandez {{pengoal}}

• Amaya {{pengoal}}
• S. Nealis {{pengoal}}
• Harper {{pengoal}}
• Tolkin {{penmiss}}
• D. Nealis {{pengoal}}
• Elias Manoel {{pengoal}}
• Stroud {{pengoal}}
• Ngoma {{penmiss}}
• Reyes {{penmiss}}

| penalties2 = *{{pengoal}} Acosta

• {{pengoal}} Kubo
• {{penmiss}} Arias
• {{pengoal}} Vázquez
• {{pengoal}} Barreal
• {{pengoal}} Miazga
• {{pengoal}} Boupendza
• {{pengoal}} Santos
• {{penmiss}} Mosquera
• {{pengoal}} Moreno

| report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/rbnyvscin-11-04-2023

| team2 = FC Cincinnati

| goals1 = Barlow {{goal|45}}

| goals2 = Boupendza {{goal|75}}

| stadium = Red Bull Arena

| location = Harrison, New Jersey

| attendance = 20,044

| referee = Victor Rivas

| event =

| round =

| score1 =

| score2 =

}}

FC Cincinnati won the series 2–0.

----

{{Football box

|id = R1E2-1

|date = October 30

|time = 7:00 pm EDT

|team1 = Orlando City SC

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/orlvsnsh-10-30-2023/

|team2 = Nashville SC

|goals1 =

• Cartagena {{goal|41}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Exploria Stadium

|location = Orlando, Florida

|attendance = 19,744

|referee = Armando Villarreal

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1E2-2

|date = November 7

|time = 8:00 pm CST

|team1 = Nashville SC

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/nshvsorl-11-07-2023/

|team2 = Orlando City SC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Angulo {{goal|6}}

|stadium = Geodis Park

|location = Nashville, Tennessee

|attendance = 25,315

|referee = Allen Chapman

}}

Orlando City SC won the series 2–0.

----

{{Football box

|id = R1E3-1

|date = November 1

|time = 7:30 pm EDT

|team1 = Columbus Crew

|score = 2–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/clbvsatl-11-01-2023/

|team2 = Atlanta United FC

|goals1 =

• Hernández {{goal|45+1||51|pen.}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Lower.com Field

|location = Columbus, Ohio

|attendance = 20,176

|referee = Lukasz Szpala

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1E3-2

|date = November 7

|time = 7:00 pm EST

|team1 = Atlanta United FC

|score = 4–2

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/atlvsclb-11-07-2023/

|team2 = Columbus Crew

|goals1 =

• Giakoumakis {{goal|38}}
• Silva {{goal|45+4}}
• Mosquera {{goal|83}}
• Almada {{goal|88}}

|goals2 =

• Hernández {{goal|45}}
• Arfsten {{goal|90+5}}

|stadium = Mercedes-Benz Stadium

|location = Atlanta, Georgia

|attendance = 41,850

|referee = Chris Penso

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1E3-3

|date = November 12

|time = 7:00 pm EST

|team1 = Columbus Crew

|score = 4–2

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/clbvsatl-11-12-2023/

|team2 = Atlanta United FC

|goals1 =

• Nagbe {{goal|9}}
• Amundsen {{goal|17}}
• Mățan {{goal|33}}
• Rossi {{goal|47}}

|goals2 =

• Giakoumakis {{goal|35}}
• Silva {{goal|50}}

|stadium = Lower.com Field

|location = Columbus, Ohio

|attendance = 20,182

|referee = Armando Villarreal

}}

Columbus Crew won the series 2–1.

----

{{Football box

|id = R1E4-1

|date = October 28

|time = 5:00 pm EDT

|team1 = Philadelphia Union

|score = 3–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/phivsne-10-28-2023/

|team2 = New England Revolution

|goals1 =

• Gazdag {{goal|19|pen.}}
• Uhre {{goal|26}}
• Harriel {{goal|37}}

|goals2 =

• Bou {{goal|68}}

|stadium = Subaru Park

|location = Chester, Pennsylvania

|attendance = 19,778

|referee = Pierre-Luc Lauziere

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1E4-2

|date = November 8

|time = 7:00 pm EST

|team1 = New England Revolution

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/nevsphi-11-08-2023/

|team2 = Philadelphia Union

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Donovan {{goal|79}}

|stadium = Gillette Stadium

|location = Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance = 15,214

|referee = Drew Fischer

}}

Philadelphia Union won the series 2–0.

{{Football box

|id = R1W1-1

|date = October 29

|time = 9:00 pm CDT

|team1 = St. Louis City SC

|score = 1–4

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/stlvsskc-10-29-2023/

|team2 = Sporting Kansas City

|goals1 =

• Parker {{goal|28}}

|goals2 =

• Ndenbe {{goal|27}}
• Walter {{goal|36}}
• Kinda {{goal|39}}
• Sallói {{goal|61}}

|stadium = CityPark

|location = St. Louis, Missouri

|attendance = 22,423

|referee = Ted Unkel

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1W1-2

|date = November 5

|time = 4:00 pm CST

|team1 = Sporting Kansas City

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/skcvsstl-11-05-2023/

|team2 = St. Louis City SC

|goals1 =

• Ndenbe {{goal|45+1}}
• Sallói {{goal|73}}

|goals2 =

• Pompeu {{goal|86}}

|stadium = Children's Mercy Park

|location = Kansas City, Kansas

|attendance = 21,650

|referee = Ismail Elfath

}}

Sporting Kansas City won the series 2–0.

----

{{Football box

|id = R1W2-1

|date = October 30

|time = 6:00 pm PDT

|team1 = Seattle Sounders FC

|score = 2–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/seavsdal-10-30-2023/

|team2 = FC Dallas

|goals1 =

• Rusnák {{goal|43|pen.}}
• Morris {{goal|74}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Lumen Field

|location = Seattle, Washington

|attendance = 30,741

|referee = Joseph Dickerson

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1W2-2

|date = November 4

|time = 8:00 pm CDT

|team1 = FC Dallas

|score = 3–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/dalvssea-11-04-2023/

|team2 = Seattle Sounders FC

|goals1 =

• Arriola {{goal|6}}
• Ferreira {{goal|18|pen.}}
• Obrian {{goal|89}}

|goals2 =

• Morris {{goal|48}}

|stadium = Toyota Stadium

|location = Frisco, Texas

|attendance = 19,096

|referee = Rosendo Mendoza

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1W2-3

|date = November 10

|time = 7:00 pm PST

|team1 = Seattle Sounders FC

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/seavsdal-11-10-2023/

|team2 = FC Dallas

|goals1 =

• Rusnák {{goal|36}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Lumen Field

|location = Seattle, Washington

|attendance = 33,048

|referee = Fotis Bazakos

}}

Seattle Sounders FC won the series 2–1.

----

{{Football box

|id = R1W3-1

|date = October 28

|time = 5:00 pm PDT

|team1 = Los Angeles FC

|score = 5–2

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/lafcvsvan-10-28-2023/

|team2 = Vancouver Whitecaps FC

|goals1 =

• Hollingshead {{goal|18||52}}
• Bouanga {{goal|29||64}}
• Murillo {{goal|80}}

|goals2 =

• White {{goal|27}}
• Adekugbe {{goal|40}}

|stadium = BMO Stadium

|location = Los Angeles, California

|attendance = 22,002

|referee = Jon Freemon

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1W3-2

|date = November 5

|time = 4:30 pm PST

|team1 = Vancouver Whitecaps FC

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/vanvslafc-11-05-2023/

|team2 = Los Angeles FC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Bouanga {{goal|24|pen.}}

|stadium = BC Place

|location = Vancouver, British Columbia

|attendance = 30,204

|referee = Timothy Ford

}}

Los Angeles FC won the series 2–0.

----

{{Football box

|id = R1W4-1

|date = October 29

|time = 5:00 pm CDT

|team1 = Houston Dynamo FC

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/houvsrsl-10-29-2023/

|team2 = Real Salt Lake

|goals1 =

• Herrera {{goal|22}}
• Bassi {{goal|79}}

|goals2 =

• Luna {{goal|54}}

|stadium = Shell Energy Stadium

|location = Houston, Texas

|attendance = 17,508

|referee = Guido Gonzales Jr.

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1W4-2

|date = November 6

|time = 7:00 pm MST

|team1 = Real Salt Lake

|score = 1–1

|penaltyscore = 5–4

|penalties1 =

• Arango {{pengoal}}
• Kreilach {{pengoal}}
• Savarino {{pengoal}}
• Vera {{pengoal}}
• Luna {{pengoal}}

|penalties2 =

• {{penmiss}} Bassi
• {{pengoal}} Carrasquilla
• {{pengoal}} Úlfarrson
• {{pengoal}} Dorsey
• {{pengoal}} Quiñónes

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/rslvshou-11-06-2023/

|team2 = Houston Dynamo FC

|goals1 =

• Savarino {{goal|70}}

|goals2 =

• Bassi {{goal|28}}

|stadium = America First Field

|location = Sandy, Utah

|attendance = 20,251

|referee = Fotis Bazakos

}}

{{Football box

|id = R1W4-3

|date = November 11

|time = 3:00 pm CST

|team1 = Houston Dynamo FC

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs-bo3/2023/matches/houvsrsl-11-11-2023/

|team2 = Real Salt Lake

|goals1 = Baird {{goal|28}}

|goals2 = Luna {{goal|65}}

|penaltyscore = 4–3

|penalties1 =

• Carrasquilla {{pengoal}}
• Úlfarrson {{pengoal}}
• Bassi {{pengoal}}
• Quiñónes {{penmiss}}
• Dorsey {{pengoal}}

|penalties2 =

• {{pengoal}} Arango
• {{pengoal}} Rubin
• {{penmiss}} Luna
• {{pengoal}} Vera
• {{penmiss}} Musovski

|stadium = Shell Energy Stadium

|location = Houston, Texas

|attendance = 16,374

|referee = Chris Penso

}}

Houston Dynamo FC won the series 2–1.

The higher-seeded team as determined by regular season ranking hosted the match.

{{OneLegStart}}

|-

|colspan="3" bgcolor=#87CEFA align=center|Eastern Conference

{{OneLegResult|Orlando City SC|| 0–2 {{aet}} |Columbus Crew}}

{{OneLegResult|FC Cincinnati|| 1–0 |Philadelphia Union}}

|-

|colspan="3" bgcolor=#FFAEB9 align=center|Western Conference

{{OneLegResult|Houston Dynamo FC|| 1–0 |Sporting Kansas City}}

{{OneLegResult|Seattle Sounders FC|| 0–1 |Los Angeles FC}}

|}

{{Football box

|id = CSFE1

|date = November 25

|time = 5:30 pm EST

|team1 = Orlando City SC

|score = 0–2

|aet = yes

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/orlvsclb-11-25-2023/

|team2 = Columbus Crew

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Ramirez {{goal|93}}
• Hernández {{goal|118}}

|stadium = Exploria Stadium

|location = Orlando, Florida

|attendance = 25,527

|referee = Jon Freemon

}}

----

{{Football box

|id = CSFE2

|date = November 25

|time = 8:00 pm EST

|team1 = FC Cincinnati

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/cinvsphi-11-25-2023/

|team2 = Philadelphia Union

|goals1 =

• Mosquera {{goal|90+4}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = TQL Stadium

|location = Cincinnati, Ohio

|attendance = 25,513

|referee = Ismail Elfath

}}

{{Football box

|id = CSFW1

|date = November 26

|time = 6:00 pm CST

|team1 = Houston Dynamo FC

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/houvsskc-11-26-2023/

|team2 = Sporting Kansas City

|goals1 = *Escobar {{goal|39}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Shell Energy Stadium

|location = Houston, Texas

|attendance = 20,319

|referee = Guido Gonzales Jr.

}}

----

{{Football box

|id = CSFW2

|date = November 26

|time = 6:30 pm PST

|team1 = Seattle Sounders FC

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/seavslafc-11-26-2023/

|team2 = Los Angeles FC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Bouanga {{goal|30}}

|stadium = Lumen Field

|location = Seattle, Washington

|attendance = 33,649

|referee = Ted Unkel

}}

The higher-seeded team as determined by regular season ranking hosted the match.

{{Football box

|date = December 2

|time = 6:00 pm EST

|team1 = FC Cincinnati

|score = 2–3

|aet = yes

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/cinvsclb-12-02-2023/

|team2 = Columbus Crew

|goals1 =

• Vázquez {{goal|14}}
• Acosta {{goal|45+3}}

|goals2 =

• Powell {{goal|75|o.g.}}
• Rossi {{goal|86}}
• Ramirez {{goal|115}}

|stadium = TQL Stadium

|location = Cincinnati, Ohio

|attendance = 25,513

|referee = Allen Chapman

}}

{{Football box

|date = December 2

|time = 6:30 pm PST

|team1 = Los Angeles FC

|score = 2–0

|report = https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2023/matches/lafcvshou-12-02-2023/

|team2 = Houston Dynamo FC

|goals1 =

• Hollingshead {{goal|44}}
• Escobar {{goal|80|o.g.}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = BMO Stadium

|location = Los Angeles, California

|attendance = 22,221

|referee = Victor Rivas

}}

{{main|MLS Cup 2023}}

The highest-ranked finalist in the overall Supporters' Shield table (Columbus Crew) hosted the match.{{cite news |date=November 12, 2023 |title=MLS Cup 2023 hosting scenarios: Where will the final be held? |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-cup-2023-hosting-scenarios-where-will-the-final-be-held |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=November 19, 2023}}

{{:MLS Cup 2023}}

{{reflist}}

{{MLS Cup}}

{{2023 MLS season by team}}

{{2023 in American men's soccer}}

{{2023 in Canadian soccer}}

{{2022–23 in North and Central America, and Caribbean football (CONCACAF) |state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mls Cup Playoffs 2023}}

Category:2023 Major League Soccer season

2023

MLS Cup Playoffs

MLS Cup Playoffs

MLS Cup Playoffs

MLS Cup Playoffs