2023 MLS Cup playoffs: Who's qualified for the postseason? | OneFootball

As the 2023 MLS regular season comes to a close, teams around the league have already qualified for the playoffs while others hope to do the same in the final stretch of the campaign.

It's the time again when teams begin to nervously watch how other sides are doing around them in their respective tables as Decision Day looms in the background.

Several teams that have already punched their ticket to the postseason may look to give some of their star players rests in the coming games, while others aim to finish in a top-four spot to claim home field advantage.

Here's all the teams that have qualified for 2023 MLS Cup playoffs...

Teams that have qualified for 2023 MLS Cup playoffs

7.

Carles Gil has been in excellent form for the Revs / Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/GettyImages

New England Revolution just might be the definition of consistency. Despite their head coach Bruce Arena stepping down amidst an investigation and their starting goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic leaving for Chelsea, the Revs have gone under the radar and consistently been in and around the top four in the Eastern Conference.Carles Gil has been the x-factor for New England, and they'll need him to continue his impressive run as the playoffs get started next month.

6. Atlanta United

Atlanta United have shined / Jason Allen/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Up until the summer transfer window, Atlanta United would put together a strong performance every not and then, but than changed after the Five Stripes brought in several new players during the window.The additions of Xande Silva, Tristan Muyumba and Saba Lobjanidze have all proved to be masterstrokes by the Atlanta front office. All three players have become part of the startin XI, with Jamal Thiare the lone signing that is still being integrated into the team (he made his debut against Montreal).With Atlanta's defense looking much-improved and Thiago Almada in MVP form, the Five Stripes could make some noise in the postseason this year.

5. St Louis City

MLS' newest club are in the playoffs / Dilip Vishwanat/GettyImages

They've done it: the league's newest expansion side, St Louis City, have made it to the postseason.St Louis has wasted no time in MLS as they've been off to a flying start in their first ever season, becoming the first side to reach the postseason in the Western Conference.Players like Eduard Lowen and Nicholas Gioacchini have stepped up big at CITY Park and they'll need more of the same from them as well as Joao Klauss to continue their magical first season run.St Louis qualified for the postseason for the first time ever after their 0-0 draw with 2022 MLS Cup champions LAFC. Was it somehow a passing of the guard? Only time will tell.

4. Philadelphia Union

Daniel Gazdag has been in top form / Omar Vega/GettyImages

Stop me if you've heard this before: Philadelphia Union have qualified for MLS Cup playoffs.That's right, Jim Curtin's side have booked their place in this year's dance after a 2-2 draw with Charlotte FC. Dating back to 2018, the Union have now qualified for the playoffs for six consecutive seasons with head coach Curtin at the helm.The Union have been inspired by performances from playmaker Daniel Gazdag, forwards Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre as well as the dynamic Kai Wagner.

3. Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew are set for the playoffs / Kirk Irwin/GettyImages

Columbus Crew making it to the postseason always seemed as if it was a matter of when, not if.Even after the departure of fan-favorite Lucas Zelarayan, the Crew haven't skipped a beat. Juan 'Cucho' Hernandez has recorded hat-tricks in two out of three games played and amassed 13 goals and seven assists this term.Should Hernandez remain in fine form alongside their plethora of attacking talent that boasts the likes of Christian Ramirez, Diego Rossi and Julian Gressel, Columbus could be gearing up for a deep postseason run.The Crew clinched a spot in the playoffs after triumphing 3-0 over Chicago Fire.

2. Orlando City

Facundo Torres has led the way for Orlando / Julio Aguilar/GettyImages

Although Orlando City are second in the Eastern Conference at the time of writing, they seem to have still gone under the radar in 2023 as they've come on strong in the last couple of months.Facundo Torres has led the way for the Lions with 12 goals and three assists while the emergence of Duncan McGuire (eight goals, two assists) has been nothing short of impressive.Despite their 2-0 loss at New York City FC, Orlando have punched their ticket to the playoffs.

1. FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati are poised for a deep run / Michael Miller/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Who else other than FC Cincinnati to qualify for the playoffs first?Pat Noonan's side have been on an unbelievable tear in 2023, with Luciano 'Lucho' Acosta in MVP form with his 14 goals and eight assists. Brandon Vazquez has chipped in with six goals while wing-back Alvaro Barreal has dished out five assists.It seems like the sky is the limit for Cincy as they have high hopes for capturing the Supporters' Shield as well as MLS Cup. The Orange and Blue needed only 26 games to qualify for the playoffs after taking down Atlanta United 2-1 in late August.