2025 Major League Soccer Season Overview
The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is well underway, prompting ESPN to release its latest Power Rankings evaluating the league’s 30 teams based on their weekend performances. Let’s explore which teams are on the rise and which are struggling.
Top Performers
Nashville SC has solidified its position at the top of the Power Rankings, moving up from third place. Despite facing a challenging situation after Jonathan Pérez received a red card in the 63rd minute, the team managed to maintain a scoreless draw against Philadelphia until stoppage time. Star player Hany Mukhtar stepped up, converting a penalty awarded after a VAR review, which clinched a narrow 1-0 victory. Remarkably, Nashville has not suffered a defeat since April 19.
Inter Miami shook off any lingering effects from a recent Club World Cup appearance. The team rebounded impressively by overcoming Montreal with a resounding 4-1 win, displaying the high-caliber play fans expect, highlighted by two goals from Lionel Messi.
Evander from Cincinnati continues to shine, contributing to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire with a goal and an assist, bringing his tally for the last three matches to five goals and two assists.
In another closely contested match, Minnesota secured a 2-1 win against Dallas, showcasing a dominant performance with returning player Carlos Harvey making a significant impact by scoring the opening goal.
Struggling Teams
On the flip side, Vancouver Whitecaps have plummeted down the rankings after a disappointing 3-0 loss to the LA Galaxy on July 4. The team, dealing with several key injuries, notably was without players like Andrés Cubas and Ali Ahmed, which impacted their performance against an opponent that had previously won just once this season.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union fell to 2 after their loss to Nashville. Manager Bradley Carnell gave a debut to 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan, but the Union couldn’t hang on, conceding the penalty that led to their second consecutive defeat.
The San Diego FC’s impressive four-match winning streak came to an end in an exhilarating 4-3 loss to Houston. San Diego led 3-2 late but was unable to hold onto the lead as the Dynamo mounted a comeback.
Orlando City continued to struggle for their first win of the month, unable to convert a dominant 67% possession into a victory, instead drawing 2-2 with Charlotte after rallying from a two-goal deficit.
Meanwhile, other teams like the Sounders, who made their return from the Club World Cup, settled for a 1-1 draw against Columbus, while the LAFC had their match delayed due to the tragic flooding situation in Central Texas, showing solidarity with those affected.
The rankings also reflect a turbulent time for teams like the New England Revolution, who have now gone four matches without a win after their defeat to Portland (2-1), and Dallas, who are on a downward spiral with three consecutive losses, raising concerns about their defense after conceding nine goals during that stretch.
Looking Ahead
As the race for the playoffs intensifies, each team’s performance will be crucial, with many teams hoping to find their form in the coming matches.
