As the 2025 Major League Soccer season rolls into spring, the league is already offering its usual mix of surprise packages, title chasers, struggling giants, and teams in total disarray. From Vancouver's stunning rise to LA Galaxy’s disastrous title defense, here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly of MLS so far.

 
The Good

Vancouver Whitecaps Western Conference Leaders

Few expected the Vancouver Whitecaps to be pacing the West this early in the season, but under new coach Jesper Sørensen, the Canadian side has found a winning formula. Employing a possession-based 4-3-3 system with sharp defensive discipline, Vancouver boasts the best defensive record in the league. Remarkably, they’ve thrived even while missing key players like Ryan Gauld and Stuart Armstrong. Their resilience and style are not only winning points but also turning heads across the league.

San Diego FC – Expansion Success Story

In their debut MLS campaign, San Diego FC has made history with one of the strongest starts ever by an expansion team. Only LAFC (2018) and St. Louis City SC (2023) had better early runs. After impressive wins over both LAFC and LA Galaxy, they are proving that they’re not just here to participate—they’re here to contend.

Minnesota United Counterattack Kings

Quietly building momentum, Minnesota United under Eric Ramsay has leaned into a counterattacking 5-3-2 setup. Forwards Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi are thriving in the system, while the Loons are grinding out 1-0 wins with efficiency and tactical maturity. It's not flashy, but it’s working.

 
The Bad

LA Galaxy – Champions in Crisis

No defending MLS Cup champion has started a season worse than LA Galaxy in 2025. With just 2 points from 7 games (0-5-2), they sit rock bottom in the West. A combination of injuries especially to Riqui Puig and the off-season departure of Dejan Joveljic has gutted their spine. If things don’t turn around soon, it could be a historic fall from grace.

Columbus Crew – Undefeated but Unspectacular

Yes, Columbus are unbeaten, but their inability to finish chances is a growing concern. Star striker Cucho Hernández has been absent, and it shows. Their recent 0-0 draw with Houston was a microcosm of the problem—solid build-up, no cutting edge.

Inter Miami – Messi's Magic Tested by Fixture Overload

Inter Miami are matching Columbus with their unbeaten record, but their schedule is brutal. With MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup games piling up, the team faces a real test of depth and stamina. Lionel Messi continues to deliver (25 goals + 19 assists in 29 games), but with so many minutes in his legs, the risk of burnout is rising. Managing his game time could make or break their season.

 
The Ugly

Sporting Kansas City – Winless and Worrying

No wins. No momentum. And rising fan frustration. Sporting KC is in full crisis mode. Manager Peter Vermes MLS’s longest-serving head coach finds himself under serious pressure. The team is lifeless in attack and leaky in defense, and unless something changes fast, it could be a painful season in Kansas.

LA Galaxy’s Leaky Defense

If their record wasn't bad enough, Galaxy’s defense has been shocking. They’ve conceded more than two goals per game and look disorganized and disheartened. It’s hard to imagine this is the same team that lifted the trophy last season.

DC United – The Benteke Show and Not Much Else

Christian Benteke is doing all he can, but DC United's over-reliance on the Belgian striker is glaring. The team lacks creativity, cohesion, and depth making it easy for opponents to focus on shutting down their only real threat. The rest of the squad simply hasn’t stepped up.

 
Conclusion

The MLS 2025 season has already offered dramatic highs and frustrating lows. With Vancouver, San Diego, and Minnesota proving themselves early contenders, and LA Galaxy, Sporting KC, and DC United spiraling into crisis, the stakes are rising fast. The beauty of MLS, though, is how quickly narratives can change. One hot streak can revive a season and one cold spell can derail it.

Stay tuned. The drama is only getting started