The final five Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs tickets were punched on Decision Day, as clutch performers answered Matchday 38's "now or never" framework.
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The New York Red Bulls, behind left back John Tolkin's 94th-minute penalty kick, earned a 1-0 win at Nashville SC and the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed. Head coach Troy Lesense's team, in the process, has now reached the postseason for an MLS-record 14 years. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC squeezed into the East's No. 9 spot behind Kristijan Kahlina's clutch three-save performance in a 1-0 win over Inter Miami CF.
It was also do-or-die time for FC Dallas, who got two goals from forward Bernard Kamungo in a 4-1 win at LA Galaxy that clinched the Western Conference's No. 7 seed. Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell confronted the same challenge with two goals in a 3-1 win over Minnesota United FC, locking up the West's No. 8 berth. Similarly, San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristian Espinoza's 13th goal of the year was just enough in a 1-1 draw vs. Austin FC to get the West's No. 9 seed.
On the momentum front, Houston Dynamo FC right back Griffin Dorsey (two goals) was a game-changer in their 3-1 road win that bounced the Portland Timbers from the playoff field. Center back Jackson Ragen was lockdown in a 2-0 win at West leaders St. Louis CITY, helping Seattle Sounders FC earn the West's No. 2 seed. And the Columbus Crew sealed a top-four spot in the East with a 2-1 victory over CF MontrƩal, courtesy of midfielder Darlington Nagbe's game-winning strike.
Orlando City SC striker Duncan McGuire was phenomenal off the bench, scoring twice in a 2-0 win at Toronto FC. Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna's goal settled a 1-0 win over rivals Colorado Rapids, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder/defender Richie Laryea had an assist and two drawn PKs in a 1-1 draw vs. LAFC.
Team of the Matchday (3-4-3, left to right): Kristijan Kahlina (CLT) - John Tolkin (RBNY), Jackson Ragen (SEA), Griffin Dorsey (HOU) - Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Darlington Nagbe (CLB), Diego Luna (RSL), Richie Laryea (VAN) - Bernard Kamungo (DAL), Duncan McGuire (ORL), Johnny Russell (SKC)
Coach: Troy Lesesne (RBNY)
Bench: Carlos Coronel (RBNY), Steven Moreira (CLB), Ćlvaro Barreal (CIN), Coco Carrasquilla (HOU), Kerwin Vargas (CLT), DĆ”niel SallĆ³i (SKC), JuliĆ”n FernĆ”ndez (NYC), Giorgos Giakoumakis (ATL), Gustavo Bou (NE)
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Audi Goals Drive Progress
MLS Academies have been identified as one of the most important resources for building on-field talent in North America. Through the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative, Audi has committed $1 million per season in an effort to advance academies league-wide, and to drive progress for the sport. For every goal scored in the regular season, Audi will contribute $200 into the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to directly support each MLS Club Youth Academy.