MLS Midseason Shakeup: Stunning Breakouts, Crushing Disappointments, and Standout Stars Revealed
The 2025 MLS campaign has already crossed the midway point, but as the league prepares to resume action following a brief hiatus for the Concacaf Gold Cup, now presents an ideal opportunity to examine what has transpired thus far.
Although the league has established a reputation for competitive balance throughout its three decades of existence, the 2025 season stands apart from all others, featuring traditionally middle-tier clubs and even a first-year franchise among the elite performers. Simultaneously, multiple debut coaches have captured attention, contributing to some of the campaign's most memorable highlights.
With more than half the season completed, which clubs and individuals have made the strongest impressions?
Here at Sports Illustrated, we developed some entertaining mid-campaign recognitions, alongside several conventional accolades.
Most Entertaining Shock - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Examining the MLS standings reveals nearly every top-positioned team as a delightful shock. Few anticipated Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the revitalized Philadelphia Union, first-year club San Diego FC, and historically average performers Minnesota United would occupy positions near the summit.
Nevertheless, just beyond the midpoint, they rank among the league's finest, each characterized by distinct tactical approaches, roster compositions, and managerial philosophies that have propelled them to these heights.
The Whitecaps, however, provide the greatest entertainment value. Beyond leading their conference, they also achieved a remarkable journey to the Concacaf Champions Cup Final. They have maintained winning consistency despite managing some of the league's most substantial international player departures, plus a stomach bug that sidelined most squad members for multiple days.
Simultaneously, they have managed to offset the absence of DP forward Ryan Gauld, who featured in portions of three matches before sustaining a serious injury on March 8 versus CF Montréal.
Under debut head coach Jesper Sørensen, the Whitecaps have executed a clear possession-focused approach, which has enhanced midfielders Pedro Vite and Sebastian Berhalter, while helping Brian White net 10 goals across 12 MLS appearances this campaign.
While surrounding teams like Minnesota and San Diego have impressed, none have emerged as unexpectedly as Vancouver, particularly following the coaching transition, and their dependence on squad depth, with central midfielder Andres Cubas serving as their sole fit Designated Player.
Most Disappointing Shock - Atlanta United
The LA Galaxy captured MLS Cup last campaign and currently occupy the Western Conference basement, yet Atlanta United claims the mid-season distinction for most disappointing shock.
Following record-breaking MLS expenditure on striker Emmanuel Latte-Lath and the homecoming of Miguel Almiron, the organization has failed to establish any commanding presence or performance consistency, surrendering points almost weekly.
Emerging from the Gold Cup intermission, they occupy 13th position in the Eastern Conference with Latte Lath recording five goals, significantly below expectations after his reported record $22 million transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Almiron has been unable to influence matches as effectively as during his previous club stint before his European move, frequently creating positional conflicts with fellow DP Alexey Miranchuk.
Head coach Ronny Deila appears to have exhausted all tactical options without success for Atlanta. The concerning aspect? Identifying a clear remedy proves challenging.
Most Entertaining Squad to Follow - San Diego FC
San Diego FC occupies second place in the Western Conference while displaying an engaging playing style that approaches must-watch status for MLS supporters seeking excitement. They possess the league's finest wing players in Hirving Lozano and Anders Dreyer, while a rotating striker selection adds unpredictable elements to each performance.
Additionally, the midfield partnership of Anibal Godoy and Jeppe Tverskov has proven dynamic in ball retention, leading San Diego to 60 percent overall possession this season, tops in the Western Conference and trailing Columbus Crew SC by merely .30 percent for the league leadership.
Biggest "How Do They Excel?" - Minnesota United
While San Diego FC ranks second and favors ball possession, Minnesota United sits third despite holding the league's lowest possession rate at just 37 percent.
Nevertheless, head coach Eric Ramsay has constructed his squad to withstand pressure and launch counterattacks through Tani Oluwaseyi, Robin Lod, and Kelvin Yeboah. This strategy has succeeded thus far, producing 28 goals in 18 matches, exemplified by a 4-1 triumph over Inter Miami.
Ramsay's tactics contradict conventional wisdom about winning matches, yet they're effective, and at merely 33 years old, expect European clubs to pursue his innovative and youthful methodology.
MVP - Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
The defending MLS MVP began this season somewhat slowly with Inter Miami CF but has regained his rhythm. Despite approaching his 38th birthday, Lionel Messi remains MLS's premier player this season while also guiding the league and his Herons at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Though Miami's campaign started inconsistently, Messi has already tallied 10 goals and six assists, standing as the sole player reaching double-digit goals while recording three assists. The closest competitor is Orlando City SC's Martin Ojeda with nine goals and five assists, though he has played 230 additional minutes.
Messi doesn't hold a guaranteed lock on the honor, however, as San Diego FC's Anders Dreyer closely follows with eight goals and eight assists, elevating the expansion franchise to Western Conference heights.
Surprising Standout Performer - Sam Surridge (Nashville SC)
Nashville SC has transformed in their inaugural complete season under head coach BJ Callaghan, with the former interim U.S. men's national team coach restoring Hany Mukhtar to his 2023 MVP form while maximizing English striker Sam Surridge's potential.
After netting 12 goals in 28 appearances during 2024, Surridge has already equaled that production in merely 18 matches and has formed a lethal attacking partnership with Mukhtar. This represents the performance level Nashville envisioned upon his signing, but following an underwhelming MLS debut, he finally displays elite-level play.
Top Coach - Mikey Varas (San Diego FC)
Mikey Varas lacked professional head coaching experience before assuming San Diego FC leadership, yet has immediately transformed the expansion franchise into MLS Cup contenders. Through his tactical vision, he has secured significant contributions from the wing-focused play of Dreyer and Lozano. He has also established a reliable team foundation with Chris McVey and Paddy McNair at center-back, protected by a rejuvenated Godoy alongside Tverskov in midfield.
Every aspect of San Diego's inaugural on-field season has pleasantly surprised, and the organization deserves recognition for the rapid construction of a balanced and consistent contender, unlike any previous MLS expansion franchise in recent memory.
Top American Player: Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Vancouver's all-time leading scorer, Brian White, has demonstrated his striking prowess in MLS for multiple seasons. However, despite previous achievements, this campaign has exceeded them all, with 10 goals already scored while establishing himself with the USMNT in friendlies and at the Concacaf Gold Cup, where he has primarily appeared as a substitute.
Top Canadian Player: Nathan Saliba (CF Montréal)
Nathan Saliba may represent a struggling CF Montréal squad, yet the 21-year-old Canadian midfielder has delivered one of the finest individual campaigns of any player, serving as a controlling midfield presence during Montreal's occasional possession highlights.
His performances quickly attracted overseas scouts and Canadian men's national team head coach Jesse Marsch's attention. Currently, he's connected with a transfer to Belgian first division club Anderlecht, and has scored twice in his initial two Canada appearances at the Gold Cup.