The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs have already provided some incredible moments, including two-goal comebacks and late winners. The Conference Semifinals feature underdogs like CT United FC and LAFC2 seeking to further their unlikely runs, and league-leaders like Austin FC II and Crown Legacy FC trying to cement their places in league history.
The top-seeded coaches picked their own opponents this round, creating new storylines and bragging rights as the playoffs continue.
Here are the matchups awaiting in the Conference Semifinals.
(2) Chattanooga FC vs. (7) CT United FC
5 PM ET Sunday, Oct. 25 | MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball
Who could have predicted CT United extinguishing Atlanta United 2's previously sizzing attack, earning a 1-0 win on the road to open the playoffs? An experienced Chattanooga FC team must be on high alert at Finley Stadium for this matchup.
CFC rose to the occasion in the second half for a 3-1 win over NYCFC II, though it was a closer match than the scoreline may have suggested.
This matchup pits two talismanic goalscorers against each other in CFC's Alex Krehl and CTU's Barnabas Tanyi.
(1) Crown Legacy FC vs. (4) Columbus Crew 2
7 PM ET Sunday, Oct. 25 | MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball
This matchup brings together two of the most successful teams in MLS NEXT Pro's history. The experience on the field will surely produce a close match, though Crown Legacy FC figures to hold an advantage as the top seed and host.
Crown Legacy fended off a powerful attacking team in Red Bull New York II, and reach the East semifinal to face a similarly multifaceted attack in Crew 2.
Both squads boast excellent combinations of creative midfielders and clinical strikers, with Crown Legacy's Nathan Richmond and Hugo Mbongue, and Crew 2's Kevin Gbamblé and Chase Adams.
(1) Austin FC II vs. (6) LAFC 2
8:30 PM ET Sunday, Oct. 25 | MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball
Both teams had to grind to progress to the West semifinals, with LAFC 2 losing a two-goal lead and had to do it in the shootout to upset Houston Dynamo 2. Austin FC II prevented their own upset by coming from behind to beat Quakes II.
LAFC 2, the lowest seed remaining in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, has nothing to lose in another road playoff match. Exciting talent Jude Terry scored with an impressive finish last time out for LAFC 2. Austin FC II will look toward Diego Abarca and Jorge Alastuey to prevent LAFC 2 from another shock result.
In their only regular-season meeting this season, Austin FC II won 2-0 over LAFC 2.
(2) Portland Timbers2 vs. (3) Ventura County FC
10 PM ET Sunday, Oct. 25 | MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball
Timbers2 kept a 15th clean sheet to advance past St Louis CITY2, while Ventura County FC needed extra time to win a five-goal thriller over MNUFC2.
But with all that behind either team, Timbers2 and Ventura County enter Sunday with very little to separate them. In fact, all three regular-season matchups between T2 and VCFC went to shootouts won by the away team.
Timbers2 goalkeeper Sam Joseph is having an incredible year. VCFC's attack, which leads the West with 58 goals scored in the regular season, is led by Julian Placias and Eric Preston.
