Final Field Set For 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs Following Sunday's Play-In Round

San Jose Earthquakes II and Red Bull New York II won their respective Play-In Round matches on Sunday to secure the final spots in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, advancing as the No. 8 seeds in the Western and Eastern Conferences. The Western Conference match saw San Jose Earthquakes II defeat Tacoma Defiance in a shootout after a 4-4 draw through regulation and extra time, with Tomo Allen and Rafael Jauregui each scoring braces. The Conference Quarterfinals are scheduled for the weekend of October 16, marking the conclusion of the league's first-ever Play-In Round.