The 2025 MLS season is in full swing, and it’s time for the latest power rankings from ESPN.
Which teams are rising in the standings and which are struggling? Our writers evaluated the weekend’s games and ranked all 30 teams in the league. Let’s take a look.
Previous rankings: 1
The top team faced a challenge against the Rapids, trailing 1-0 at halftime. Despite this setback, they rallied to a 3-1 victory. Tai Baribo found the net again, while Mickel Woole contributed with two goals after coming off the bench.
Previous rankings: 2
Cincinnati managed a tough home draw against Miami. Missing key players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to suspension, they struggled to convert opportunities despite having Fafa Picoe and Luis Suarez on the attack. However, keeping Evander scoreless was a significant defensive achievement.
Previous rankings: 4
San Diego triumphed in a highly anticipated match against Nashville with a 1-0 score. Their player “Chucky” Rozano scored the opening goal, but a missed penalty save and a tense final whistle underscored a night of close calls for SDFC.
Previous rankings: 6
Cincinnati was left frustrated when Miles Robinson thought he scored a late winner against Miami, only to have it ruled out for foul play. This result means the FCC has collected their third clean sheet of the season, placing them second in the Supporters’ Shield standings.
Previous rankings: 3
Nashville couldn’t capitalize on their home game and fell 1-0 to San Diego. This loss was a setback for BJ Callaghan’s squad, which will need to overcome similar challenges against title rivals after previous defeats to Miami and SDFC this month.
Previous rankings: 8
Just when the White Caps seemed to hit a slump, they bounced back with a commanding 3-0 win against Kansas City, driven by Jaden Nelson’s impressive performance. This victory places them second in the West and fifth overall in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Previous rankings: 5
The Crew had a chance to establish an early lead but ultimately lost 3-1 to Orlando. The addition of Wessam Abou Ali could rejuvenate the team’s spirits, especially following the departure of Cucho Hernández.
Previous rankings: 9
Kelvin Yevore capitalized on two penalty chances to lead Minnesota to a 2-1 victory over St. Louis, demonstrating his attacking prowess. Chris Durkin’s red card added extra drama to the contest.
Previous rankings: 7
The Sounders managed a 2-2 draw against Atlanta, marking their unbeaten streak since the Club World Cup. However, they lament a late-game goal that could have secured a victory.
1:02
Alexey Miranchuk scores a stunning equalizer from outside the box
Miranchuk’s goal salvaged a draw for Atlanta United against the Sounders.
Previous rankings: 11
Orlando rebounded strongly after conceding a penalty, scoring multiple goals. They’ve found a solid rhythm, needing to maintain defensive discipline as they seek to climb the rankings.
Previous rankings: 12
Charlotte secured a 2-0 victory over Toronto, powered by goals from Idan Tochromatty and Carwin Vargas, orchestrated by Wilfried Zaha. Although the club has a short history, their four consecutive wins are impressive.
Previous rankings: 10
LAFC faced a makeshift defense against Portland and suffered a 1-0 defeat after a set-piece goal from Christian Paredes. They were unable to capitalize on their chances, affected by injuries to key players.
Previous rankings: 13
Joseph Martinez’s late push couldn’t save San Jose from a 2-1 loss against Salt Lake, resulting from defensive lapses. The team is now under pressure with a seven-match winless streak across all competitions.
Previous rankings: 14
The Chicago Fire secured a much-needed 1-0 victory over the Red Bulls, breaking their losing streak. They hope this win signals a turnaround for the club.
1:14
Chicago Fire celebrates a much-needed win
The Fire’s 1-0 victory over the Red Bulls marks a potential turning point.
Previous rankings: 17
Alonso Martínez shone with a hat-trick in NYCFC’s thrilling 4-3 win over Dallas in North Texas. The team remains unbeaten in their last three matches, though defensive vulnerabilities are a concern with three goals conceded in just one match.
Previous rankings: 18
The Timbers earned a 1-0 victory against LAFC, thanks to a standout performance from goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau and a key header from Cristhian Paredes. The upcoming League Cup presents an opportunity for them to build on this win.
Previous rankings: 19
Austin managed a much-needed 4-2 victory over DC United, successfully scoring early despite injuries impacting their squad. The Texas team has gone unbeaten in their last four matches.
Previous rankings: 15
The Red Bulls’ tough loss to the Chicago Fire has left them struggling to find form this season. They now sit 10th in the Eastern Conference and are among the league’s worst on the road.
Previous rankings: 16
Colorado Rapids started strong against Philadelphia with Rafael Navarro scoring, but ultimately lost 3-1 as the Union turned the tide. With only one win in their last five matches, the timing for the upcoming League Cup matches appears crucial.
Previous rankings: 22
RSL managed to come back for a 2-1 win despite being down early, capitalizing on defensive errors from San Jose. They’ll take this victory as a much-needed boost.
Previous rankings: 20
The Dynamo’s match against the Galaxy was postponed due to heavy rain, causing a delay to their upcoming League Cup matchup against Tigres.
Previous rankings: 21
Dallas fell short against NYCFC, with early goals not being enough to secure victory, as they allowed a hat-trick from Alonso Martínez. Their home record remains one of the worst in the Western Conference.
Previous rankings: 23
St. Louis’s struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat to Minnesota, marked by a subpar defense that led to conceding a pair of penalties in the second half.
Previous rankings: 30
DC United remains winless after falling 4-2 to Austin, marking their eighth straight match without a victory. Fans are expressing their frustration, calling for ownership changes.
Fan Take: The MLS power rankings highlight the intense competition within the league, making every match critical for teams striving for playoff spots. As the season progresses, fans should keep an eye on how these shifts in rankings affect team morale and strategies moving forward.
