I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on the 2025 season across various Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. This isn’t just about how teams performed in individual matches; it looks at every competition, including the Concacaf Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the Leagues Cup.
I’ve considered how teams handled player signings, departures, and their promotion of younger talents throughout the season. However, recent signings or SuperDraft picks that happened after the MLS Cup won’t factor into this review. Instead of giving letter grades, I’ll use terms like “Exceeded Expectations,” “Met Expectations,” and “Below Expectations.”
Let’s get started, focusing on how different clubs played out this year.
Take the Vancouver Whitecaps, for example. They enjoyed a remarkable season. They made it to the Concacaf Champions Cup final, set a club record for points, and won their Canadian Championship for the fourth straight time. They also reached the MLS Cup final. Their mid-career additions, like Thomas Müller, really elevated the team dynamic. From my perspective, this season went even better than I could have predicted. If you’d asked me to guess their performance before the preseason, I wouldn’t have imagined something so impressive.
Grade: Exceeded Expectations
On the flip side, we have St. Louis. The management change and a coaching shift didn’t lead to the desired outcomes. Their conservative gameplay didn’t suit the roster, which had previously thrived under a more attacking style. However, there’s hope for the future with the new sports director’s and coach’s focus on a more dynamic game.
Grade: Below Expectations, but reason for hope
The Seattle Sounders caught my eye too. Their focus on scouting young talents while still bringing in high-profile players paid off. Their performance in the Club World Cup and key victories, including a notable win against Lionel Messi’s team, showcased their skill and depth. The promotion of young players adds to the excitement for their future.
Grade: Exceeded Expectations
The San Jose Earthquakes had a mixed bag. After finishing at the bottom last season, they showed improvement, jumping to the playoff fringes. Their plus-six goal differential is a testament to their growth. However, their subpar goalkeeping kept them from gaining critical points that could have secured a playoff position.
Grade: Met Expectations
Looking at the LA Galaxy, it was a rough start, but they showed some resilience later on. From having a historically bad beginning to being somewhat functional by mid-season, they slowly found their way. Fans are still uneasy after a rocky start, but signs of improvement emerged.
Grade: Below Expectations
Newcomers like San Diego impressed everyone. They broke records for expansion teams and created a buzz in MLS, having developed several young talents. Their possession-based style also aligns with recent trends favoring ball control in games. While they could improve, they are positioned well for further success.
Grade: Exceeded Expectations
The Minnesota United was another team that stood out. They not only set club records, but young talents also emerged. Their victory against the Seattle Sounders in the playoffs added to their impressive season.
Grade: Exceeded Expectations
Yet, some teams struggled significantly. The Dynamo’s decline came after the sale of key players, leading to a disappointing season. Their lack of direction raises questions about the coming year.
Grade: Below Expectations
Finally, the Colorado Rapids faced a tough year. They couldn’t replace their lost talents adequately, and many individual performances felt underwhelming. However, they did manage to develop some younger players, which could benefit them in the long run.
Grade: Below Expectations
Overall, this season reflected a mix of triumphs and challenges across the league. Each team has opportunities to grow, and many invested in young talents that could shape the future of MLS. As fans, it’ll be exciting to see how these teams build on their successes and learn from their mistakes in the seasons to come.
For further understanding of MLS trends and future projections, you might want to check out this report on MLS performance for deeper insights.
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Armchair Analyst: Matt Doyle,Vancouver Whitecaps FC,St. Louis CITY SC,Seattle Sounders FC,SendToNews,San Jose Earthquakes,San Diego FC,Real Salt Lake,Portland Timbers,Minnesota United FC,LA Galaxy,Los Angeles Football Club,Sporting Kansas City,Houston Dynamo FC,FC Dallas,Colorado Rapids,Austin FC
