2025 MLS Season Cheat Sheet: Teams, Players, and Bold Predictions
The 2025 Major League Soccer season will mark the league’s 30th anniversary with 30 teams competing, including the debut of San Diego FC. Some global icons will grace the pitch, fresh talents will emerge, and fans can anticipate intense rivalries and unexpected twists. This cheat sheet guides you through the must-watch teams, standout players, and bold predictions so you’re well-prepared for all the excitement this season promises.
Inter Miami
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Superstars bring excitement, but pressure follows, and Miami’s season is to be judged on whether they can deliver silverware. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez still have world-class moments in them but can the team hold up defensively when it matters most? Playoff qualification is likely but finishing at the top of the East depends on consistency across a long and grueling season.
LA Galaxy
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LA Galaxy has the talent to make another deep run. Marco Reus and Riqui Puig control the midfield, and their attack can overwhelm defenses. Will their depth be enough to outlast stronger squads? If everything clicks, they can push for another final; otherwise, a conference semifinal exit seems more realistic.
LAFC
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LAFC’s fast attacking play and aggressive pressing make them one of the most entertaining teams to watch every season. Olivier Giroud provides a strong target up front, but its success depends on keeping opponents from exposing their backline. A top-three finish in the West is within reach, but defensive struggles could prevent them from lifting a trophy.
Columbus Crew
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Columbus Crew has given us some of the most consistent performances in MLS, and this season should be no different. Diego Rossi has tons of attacking power, and their well-balanced squad makes them a nightmare to face. They should finish near the top of the Eastern Conference, and anything less than a conference final appearance would be disappointing.
FC Cincinnati
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The pieces are in place for another strong season, but FC Cincinnati needs to step up against the league’s best teams. They defend well with DeAndre Yedlin and play with intensity, but their ineffective goal-scoring depth could be an issue. They should qualify for the playoffs, but a deep postseason run will be difficult without a more clinical attack unless Yuya Kubo steps on the plate.
Atlanta United
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A coaching change means fresh ideas and excitement for Atlanta United, and their fans will demand a return to dominance. Miguel Almirón’s arrival has further added some creativity, but how quickly he fits in will determine their ceiling. With Aleksei Miranchuk freed upfront to bang in the goals, they should reach the playoffs. However, topping the Eastern Conference Championship is unlikely with so many new pieces in place.
Seattle Sounders
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Winning in MLS requires consistency and few teams have been more reliable than Seattle Sounders over the last decade. Their strong leadership by goalpost stalwart Stefan Frei and a well-drilled squad make them a constant threat in the West and they always show up in big games. Expect them to finish near the top and be a tough opponent in the playoffs with Jordan Morris leading the line.
Orlando City SC
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Making the playoffs is great, but Orlando wants to prove it belongs among the league’s true elite. They have a balanced squad capable of competing with the best, but turning good performances into trophies has been a challenge. Colombian forward Luis Muriel should help this team finish in the upper half of the East, but a championship push would remain a long shot.
New York Red Bulls
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Developing homegrown talent has always been part of the plan for New York Red Bulls. This year too, their squad is young and full of energy but competing with more experienced teams will be a challenge. Luckily, veterans Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are there for the experience. While fighting for a playoff spot is possible, inexperience may hinder them from clinching the championship.
New York City FC
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Some teams play flashy soccer but struggle to get results; New York City FC has been guilty of that in past seasons. Tactical discipline will be key for them to climb the standings, but their talent level is undeniable. Costa Rican winger Alonso Martínez should increase his goal tally this season. Anything beyond playoffs that will depend on execution in high-pressure moments.
Chicago Fire FC
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Chicago Fire FC supporters expect progress this season after years of underachievement. Gregg Berhalter’s system needs time to take shape, but the Fire must avoid another year of mediocrity. A mid-table finish may be the most realistic outcome unless things dramatically improve.
Minnesota United FC
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Teams like Minnesota United always have a chance to compete since they have a solid foundation at the back. They will be tough to break down, but scoring goals could be a problem without a proven striker. They need their attack to spur them beyond the postseason. Kelvin Yeboah could tap into his family’s footballing legacy to help the team.
Real Salt Lake
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Altitude and passionate fans make Real Salt Lake a nightmare for visiting teams, and they always make their home matches count. They have talent, but questions remain about whether they can compete away from home. Defender and captain Justen Glad should marshal his troop for a better outing.
Austin FC
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Austin FC’s willingness to take risks makes them unpredictable in every match. They will score plenty of goals, but defensive lapses could cost them points in crucial games. Albanian Myrto Uzuni’s arrival should animate the team’s left wing and front lines. Their mettle in handling pressure late in the season will decide their fate.
San Jose Earthquakes
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Hiring a proven winner in Bruce Arena signals that San Jose is serious about fixing years of inconsistency. The arrival of prolific forwards Cristian Arango and Josef Martínez has further improved their firepower. However, chemistry takes time to develop, and quick results aren’t guaranteed.