Following the conclusion of Major League Soccer's regular season with matches, the 2021 MLS Cup playoff bracket was set. The New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids secured the top seeds in their respective conferences.
The MLS Cup playoffs start Nov. 20 with the final set for December 11.
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Many teams were able to secure postseason berths on Sunday's Decision Day. The final day of the campaign saw results. The East saw Orlando City defeat CF Montreal 2-0 and Atlanta United FC beat FC Cincinnati 2-1. Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls drew 1-1 against Nashville SC to secure their spots.
The West saw Colorado win over and eliminate LAFC to secure the top spot and a bye in the first round. Real Salt Lake qualified by scoring a last-gasp goal against Sporting Kansas City in a 1-0 victory. Minnesota United FC defeated the LA Galaxy in a 3-3 thriller for their place. Vancouver Whitecaps secured their spot with a draw against Seattle Sounders FC.
New York City FC striker Valentin Castlelanos scored his 19th regular season goal in a 1-1 draw against Philadelphia Union to win MLS Golden Boot award. He beat DC United's Ola kamara for the award. Kamara scored twice in D.C.'s 3-1 win against Toronto FC, and Castellanos had two goals. However, Castellanos was tied with Kamara in the goal column. Kamara had five assists.
The Revolution, the winners of the Supporters' Shield for the most regular-season point teams, had already secured the East’s first round bye and home advantage despite a 1-0 defeat to Inter Miami CF. After surpassing LAFC's record of 72 points in 2019, the Revs set a MLS record (73) for points in a single year.
Despite finishing the season with a win against the Chicago Fire, the Columbus Crew will not be able to qualify for the playoffs.
Eastern Conference playoff bracket
No.1 New England Revolution (bye).
No. No. 7 New York Red Bulls
No. 3 Nashville SC vs. No. 6 Orlando City SC
No. 4 NYCFC vs. 4 NYCFC vs. No.
Western Conference playoff bracket
No. 1 Colorado Rapids (bye)
No. 2 Seattle Sounders FC vs. 7 Real Salt Lake
No. 3 Sporting Kansas City vs. 6 Vancouver Whitecaps
No. 4 Portland Timbers vs. 5 Minnesota United FC
