This was the second consecutive year that an expansion team won the NASL title[1][2] The Los Angeles Aztecs qualified for the playoffs by virtue of winning the Western Division with 110 points.

The Aztecs defeated the Northern Division champion Boston Minutemen, 2–0, in a semifinal game played on August 17, 1974 at ELAC Stadium[3] in Monterey Park, California to advance to the finals.

The Toros defeated the Central Division champion Dallas Tornado, 3–1, in a semifinal game played on August 17, 1974 at Tamiami Stadium to advance to the finals.

Although the Aztecs had a league-best record and points total, and rightly should have hosted the championship final, CBS intervened and strongly influenced the NASL's decision to play the match in Miami.

Assistant referees: Paul Avis[12] Bob Sumpter Television: CBS Announcers: Frank Glieber, Clive Toye, Kyle Rote, Jr.