Sat Oct 19 22:50:00 UTC 2024: Key points from the news article about the 2024 MLS season and Decision Day:

– **Decision Day**: The regular MLS season will conclude with 14 games on Saturday, determining playoff positions.
– **Top Seeds**: Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, has secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference by clinching the Supporters Shield. In the Western Conference, LA Galaxy only needs one point to secure the No. 1 seed, but faces a tough game against Houston Dynamo.
– **Playoff Battle**: East has four teams competing for the final two playoff spots: D.C. United and CF Montréal (40 points), and Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United (37 points). Toronto FC, despite having the same points, is eliminated due to being the odd team out.
– **Playoff Structure**: The playoffs will include nine teams from each conference, starting with a wild card round on Oct. 22-23, followed by a best-of-three Round 1, and single-elimination for semifinals, finals, and the MLS Cup.
– **Round Dates**: Round One is set to begin on Oct. 25, with Conference Semifinals on Nov. 23-24, Conference Finals on Nov. 30-Dec. 1, and the MLS Cup on Dec. 7.
– **Broadcasting**: All games on Decision Day will be available on Apple TV through MLS Season Pass, with an option for fans to follow multiple matches via MLS 360, a live whip-around show.
– **Competition in West**: While LA Galaxy and LAFC will secure the top spots, other teams (Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo, Colorado Rapids, and others) will compete for remaining playoff seeding.

This encapsulates the key developments and structure as the 2024 MLS season enters its playoff phase.

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