MLS Power Rankings: San Diego Rises While Competitors Falter

The 2025 MLS season is in full swing, and with every match, the intensity builds. This week, the drives and dives of teams across the league have led to significant shifts in the Power Rankings. Let’s break down who’s charging ahead and who’s struggling to find their footing.

Philadelphia Union Stays Strong

The Philadelphia Union continues to cling to the top of the Power Rankings despite a recent 1-1 draw against Toronto, salvaged by a late goal from Deandre Kerr. The draw was somewhat fortuitous, as many of their closest competitors for the Supporters’ Shield stumbled as well. This resilient performance underscores the Union’s quest for dominance in the league, showcasing their ability to remain competitive even in challenging situations.

San Diego on the Rise

Moving up from third place, San Diego secured a 2-0 victory against Kansas City, bolstered by standout contributions from stars Hirving Lozano and Anders Dreyer. Lozano’s early “golazo” set the tone for the match, highlighting San Diego’s offensive prowess and pushing them further up the ranks. Their solid teamwork combined with individual brilliance is a recipe for success as they eye playoff contention.

Inter Miami’s Struggles Without Messi

In stark contrast to the previous year, Inter Miami is facing significant challenges in 2025, especially hit hard by Lionel Messi’s absence. Their recent 4-1 defeat to Orlando in the Clásico del Sol was a wake-up call, showcasing their vulnerabilities on both ends of the pitch. The lack of attacking dynamism without Messi has become evident, raising questions about their ability to recover from this setback as they strive to get back to their winning ways.

FC Cincinnati’s Missed Opportunities

FC Cincinnati’s unfortunate 1-0 loss to Charlotte serves as a reminder that the margins in soccer are razor-thin. Despite displaying creativity through players like Evander, they failed to capitalize on chances. The return of Kévin Denkey from injury offers a glimmer of hope that they can reignite their offense moving forward. With upcoming fixtures, there’s an urgent need for them to convert efforts into results.

Seattle’s Dominance Continues

The Sounders are currently on fire, as evidenced by their emphatic 4-0 demolition of the Galaxy. Danny Musovski’s double was the highlight of the match, showcasing not just offensive brilliance but also a structured defensive performance. Remaining unbeaten since their Club World Cup adventure has instilled a sense of confidence within the squad, making them a formidable opponent in any matchup.

Vancouver Whitecaps Faces Setbacks

The Vancouver Whitecaps suffered a setback with a 2-1 loss to San Jose, exacerbated by a red card for Édier Ocampo early in the match. This incident limited their ability to mount a comeback despite a spirited effort. As they settle into the season, fans are eager to see how new signings, including Thomas Müller, can impact their performance in subsequent matches.

Orlando City’s Resurgence

Orlando City made a strong statement, defeating Inter Miami 4-1 and extending their unbeaten streak to six matches. Luis Muriel’s early brace helped set the pace, and with confidence riding high, the Lions appear poised to make further inroads in the Eastern Conference standings.

Challenges for Nashville and Columbus Crew

Nashville’s recent 3-1 loss to St. Louis marked their second defeat in a row, with the team struggling to regain momentum post-Leagues Cup. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew faced a schedule disruption due to field maintenance, stalling their opportunity to climb the ranks after a strong showing in the previous year’s Leagues Cup.

Houston Dynamo’s Late Push

In a dramatic match, the Dynamo managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Austin FC thanks to Jack McGlynn’s late goals. Though they will be disappointed not to have pulled off a win, their determination is a bright spot moving forward, particularly after a tough stretch of results.

Emerging Talents in Colorado

A bright spot for the Colorado Rapids surfaced in a 2-1 win against Minnesota, where young talent Darren Yapi shone with a two-goal performance. This match suggests there could be life after the recent departure of Djordje Mihailovic, rejuvenating hopes among the fans for the remainder of the season.

Atlanta’s Hard Times Continue

Atlanta United is finding it tough to get back on track, extending their winless streak to nine matches after a 1-1 draw with Montreal. Despite flashes of potential, consistency remains elusive for the club, putting mounting pressure on the players and coaching staff alike.

Below the Bottom Line: D.C. United

Unfortunately for D.C. United, their season has turned dismal, registering a fifth consecutive loss in MLS play after a 2-0 defeat to the New England Revolution. Their current run of ten matches without a win paints a bleak picture and emphasizes the need for strategic changes if they aim to salvage their season.