This is what the MLS Cup playoffs would look like if they started today

We're entering the final stretch of the MLS regular season, with the playoffs just around the corner. If the postseason started today, we'd already have some intriguing matchups on the horizon. During this latest MLS Matchday weekend, several games ended with plenty of goals, which could mean some very entertaining playoffs for fans. In a recent interview, Heung-Min Son explained the importance of making this stage of the season entertaining, as it is when fans are most engaged. And from what we can imagine, if the playoffs started today, we would have some brilliant matchups to watch. So, without further ado, this would be the MLS playoffs if they started today: MLS playoff games, right now Houston Dynamo vs Colorado Rapids Here we have one of the most regular teams in the Western Conference and a team that's been struggling in recent encounters. The Dynamo sit second in the standings, while the Rapids sit seventh. This would be an even matchup, with Houston looking to create danger down the flanks, while the Rapids would look to hurt them on the counterattack. LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes The Black and Gold haven't hit top form, while the Quakes are surging, setting the stage for a fierce midfield battle for possession and control. Having Bouanga and Heung-Min Son on the team indeed gives LAFC an offensive advantage that could be lethal and crucial at every moment. FC Dallas vs St. Louis SC FC Dallas are coming off a run of inconsistent results, while St. Louis, surprisingly, have been on the rise, receiving a much-needed emotional boost given the team's current situation. Dallas continues to alternate between good and bad performances, but remains among the top teams in the Western Conference. Vancouver Whitecaps vs the winner of the Wild Card game (Portland Timbers vs San Diego) It might be easy to assume the Whitecaps would prevail against either opponent from the Wild Card game, but San Diego FC has evolved since last year, and the Timbers have become a more aggressive and attack-minded side. Inter Miami vs New York City FC The Herons are recovering their old self, but it's still not enough if they want to win a back-to-back MLS Cup. On the other hand, we have the Pigeons, who are surprising everyone in their conference. Taking on their matchup against the best team this year, Nashville SC. This is one of those encounters you wouldn't want to miss. Chicago Fire vs FC Cincinnati Just like Nashville and Inter Miami, the Fire are one of the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference . However, during recent games, their outcomes weren't the best, On the other side, we have the Orange and Blue, who have been irregular this season, starting out fighting the top, and now falling nearly outside of the playoff range. Nevertheless, the matchup between these two will be more than interesting. New England Revolution vs Charlotte FC This is one of the most evenly matched contests of the playoffs. Both the Revolution and the Crown have been among the most consistent teams in the final stretch of the regular season. However, Charlotte FC struggled early on with the departure of Wilfred Zaha, and it wasn't until Saint-Maximin found his footing that the team regained its lethal form. New England, for their part, have remained steady and disciplined throughout their matches, opting for a cautious approach rather than taking risks. Nashville SC vs the winner of the Wild Card (Orlando City vs Philadelphia Union) This matchup promises to be a crucial and must-watch event, regardless of who Nashville faces. If the playoffs started today, Nashville would be the clear favorite to win. Orlando City and Philadelphia Union have both managed to turn around their early struggles, but there are still too many gaps and weaknesses that the Boys in Gold are likely to exploit.