Complete MLS 2025 Schedule
Hey soccer fam! So we're about two months into the 2025 MLS season (how is it May already??), and I am EXHAUSTED but totally obsessed. I've been to 14 matches across 8 different stadiums since the season started in late February, and my bank account (and relationship) are both suffering.
But I regret NOTHING because this has easily been the most chaotic, entertaining start to an MLS season I've ever witnessed. Let me break down what's happened so far and what I'm looking forward to as we roll through spring and into summer.
The standings right now are absolutely wild
If you had shown me these standings back in February, I would've laughed in your face:
San Diego FC sitting at the top of the Western Conference with a 6-1-2 record?? An expansion team??
Inter Miami CF struggling at 3-3-3 despite all their star power
Chicago Fire FC tied for the lead in the Eastern Conference after like five straight years at the bottom
LAFC outside the playoff spots at 2-4-3 despite everyone picking them to win the Shield
I literally had to delete my pre-season predictions post out of shame. NOTHING is going according to plan and it's glorious.
Best matches I've attended so far
El Tráfico but make it chaos (March 16)
I splurged on tickets for LA Galaxy vs. LAFC and it was WORTH EVERY PENNY. Five goals, two red cards, and a stoppage-time winner? The Galaxy fans around me were literally crying tears of joy. I lost my voice for three days.
Expansion team energy is unmatched (April 6)
I flew down to San Diego for their match against Seattle Sounders and the atmosphere was UNREAL. Their temporary stadium was absolutely rocking, and their Argentine DP scored a hat trick. I've never seen fans so instantly invested in a new team.
Heartbreak in the rain (April 27)
I'm still emotionally recovering from watching Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps. It poured rain the entire match, I was soaked to the bone, and Vancouver scored in the 94th minute to win it. The Timbers Army kept singing even after the final whistle though. Goosebumps.
Biggest surprises of the season so far
San Diego's dream start
Nobody expected San Diego FC to be THIS good, THIS fast. Their scouting team deserves a raise because their South American signings have been incredible. Their 22-year-old Colombian forward already has 8 goals in 9 games!
Chicago's complete transformation
After years in the wilderness, Chicago Fire FC has risen from the ashes (see what I did there?). Their new coaching staff has implemented this high-pressing system that's absolutely suffocating opponents. They've only conceded 6 goals in 10 matches!
The Eastern Conference chaos
The East is WIDE open this year. Only 5 points separate 1st from 8th place! Traditional powers like Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union are still figuring things out, while FC Cincinnati continues their rise.
Miami's rough start
Look, we all expected Inter Miami CF to dominate this season, but injuries and schedule congestion have been brutal. Their aging superstar has already missed 4 matches, and they're struggling to find consistency. The talent is obviously there, but the results haven't followed yet.
Matches I'm most excited for in the next month
El Clásico del Norte (May 18)
Minnesota United FC hosts Chicago Fire FC in what's become a surprisingly heated rivalry. Both teams are in great form, and Minnesota's stadium is always electric. I already bought my plane ticket!
Expansion showdown (May 24)
San Diego FC visits St. Louis CITY SC in a battle of the league's newest franchises. St. Louis had that incredible debut season in 2023, and now San Diego is following a similar path. Their contrasting styles should make for an incredible match.
Rivalry weekend (June 1-2)
MLS has packed ALL the major rivalries into one weekend, and I am STRESSED about which one to attend:
El Tráfico: LA Galaxy vs. LAFC
Hudson River Derby: NYCFC vs. Red Bulls
Cascadia Cup: Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders
Hell is Real Derby: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
Someone please help me decide because my girlfriend has officially put her foot down about "wasting all our money on soccer trips" (her words, not mine).
Quick thoughts on every team so far
Eastern Conference vibes
Atlanta United (3-3-3): Inconsistent but showing flashes of their old attacking brilliance. Their new Argentine winger is an absolute magician with the ball. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium atmosphere remains unmatched.
CF Montréal (3-4-2): Proving everyone wrong with a scrappy, defensive approach that's surprisingly effective. Their home form has been excellent now that winter has finally released its grip on Canada.
Charlotte FC (4-3-2): The surprise package in the East! Their academy products are finally breaking through, with their 19-year-old midfielder already drawing European attention. Their stadium atmosphere is seriously underrated.
Chicago Fire FC (6-2-1): FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP! Their new Swiss coach has transformed them overnight. Their high-pressing system is absolutely suffocating opponents, and their new DP striker has 7 goals already.
Columbus Crew (5-2-2): The champions haven't missed a beat, balancing league play with their deep Concacaf Champions Cup run. Their possession-based system still carves teams open at will.
DC United (2-5-2): Still searching for an identity under their new coach. Their home form has been decent, but they've been dreadful on the road. Their young homegrown players show promise though.
FC Cincinnati (5-2-2): Picking up where they left off last season. Their counter-attacking style remains lethal, and their passionate fans at TQL Stadium create a fortress-like atmosphere.
Inter Miami CF (3-3-3): All that star power hasn't quite clicked yet. Injuries and schedule congestion have been major issues, but when their full lineup is available, they're still capable of magic.
Nashville SC (3-4-2): Defense-first approach continues to frustrate opponents, but goal-scoring remains a challenge. Their GEODIS Park atmosphere is still criminally underrated nationally.
New England Revolution (2-4-3): Struggling to find consistency after their coaching change. Their new tactical approach hasn't quite taken hold yet, but individual talent keeps them competitive.
New York City FC (3-4-2): The venue-hopping continues to affect their home form. They've already played in three different "home" stadiums in just nine matches! Their talented young roster shows flashes but lacks consistency.
New York Red Bulls (2-5-2): Their high-pressing style is being figured out by opponents. The developmental pipeline continues producing talent, but results haven't followed yet this season.
Orlando City (4-2-3): Quietly effective as always. Their improved defense has been the story, allowing just seven goals in their first nine matches. Their Uruguayan connection in attack is flourishing.
Philadelphia Union (3-3-3): Still tough to beat but showing signs of age in some positions. Their homegrown midfield talent continues to shine, but they've lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Toronto FC (2-5-2): The rebuild continues with mixed results. Their Italian star has been excellent when available but has already missed three matches. Their commitment to youth development is admirable though.
Western Conference energy
Austin FC (2-4-3): Struggling for consistency despite their fanbase's incredible energy. Q2 Stadium still provides one of the league's best atmospheres regardless of results. Their new South American signings need time to adjust.
Colorado Rapids (4-3-2): Vastly improved from last season! Their altitude advantage at home remains significant, with four straight home wins already. Their young American talent is flourishing.
FC Dallas (2-4-3): Still developing impressive young talent while struggling for consistency at the senior level. Their 18-year-old homegrown winger already has 3 goals and 4 assists!
Houston Dynamo FC (4-3-2): Building on last year's resurgence with attractive, attacking soccer. Their tactical flexibility under their second-year coach has been impressive to watch.
LA Galaxy (5-2-2): The Galaxy are BACK, baby! Their defensive overhaul has paid dividends, and their new Mexican striker already has 6 goals. Dignity Health Sports Park is rocking again.
LAFC (2-4-3): The preseason favorites have stumbled out of the gate. Injuries to key players have exposed depth issues, but their individual talent means they're never out of a game.
Minnesota United FC (5-3-1): Thriving with their new tactical approach that emphasizes width and crossing. Their stadium atmosphere has been electric now that the Minnesota weather has improved.
Portland Timbers (3-4-2): Inconsistent but always dangerous at Providence Park. Their South American attacking trio shows flashes of brilliance amid frustrating lapses.
Real Salt Lake (4-2-3): Continuing to exceed expectations with their well-organized tactical approach. Their home fortress at America First Field remains one of the league's toughest places to play.
San Diego FC (6-1-2): THE STORY OF THE SEASON! Their expansion squad has taken the league by storm with attractive, aggressive soccer. Their temporary venue has been ROCKING every home match.
San Jose Earthquakes (2-5-2): Still searching for consistency under their new coach. Their wild home matches at PayPal Park remain entertaining regardless of quality, with three matches already featuring 5+ goals.
Seattle Sounders FC (4-3-2): Sounders doing Sounders things - professional, organized, and ruthlessly efficient. Their tactical evolution under their long-time coach continues to set standards.
Sporting Kansas City (3-3-3): Better than last year but still inconsistent. Their high pressing can overwhelm opponents on good days but leaves them exposed on bad ones. Children's Mercy Park remains one of the league's best atmospheres.
St. Louis CITY SC (4-3-2): Building on their impressive debut season with a slightly more mature approach. Their CITYPARK atmosphere continues to be among the league's best with 11 straight sellouts.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (3-4-2): Capable of beating anyone on their day, but struggle with consistency. Their tactical approach has been particularly effective on the road with three away wins already.
Tips for making the most of MLS matches this season
My stadium visit advice (from someone who's been to WAY too many this season):
Supporter section energy is worth the discomfort - I sat with the San Diego supporters on a whim and it was the most fun I've had at a match in YEARS. Yes, you'll be standing the whole time and probably get beer spilled on you, but the energy is worth it!
Weeknight games = better deals AND better atmosphere - Counterintuitive but true! The Wednesday night matches tend to attract the die-hards rather than casual fans. I got $30 tickets to a midweek Timbers match and the atmosphere was incredible.
Stadium-specific food is a MUST - Every stadium has that one unique food item you need to try. The BBQ nachos in Kansas City, the salmon at Seattle, the choripan sandwiches in Atlanta... do your research before you go!
Arrive early for the march - Many supporter groups do organized marches to the stadium, and joining in (even as a neutral) is SO much fun. LAFC's march down Christmas Tree Lane is an experience every soccer fan should have.
Watching from home? Level up your viewing:
The MLS Season Pass commentary options are game-changing - The ability to switch between English, Spanish, and club-specific radio broadcasts is AMAZING. The Philadelphia Union radio guys are particularly entertaining.
The whip-around show on Saturdays is perfect for neutrals - When there are 7+ matches happening simultaneously, the MLS 360 show jumps between all the action and you never miss a big moment.
Twitter/Tumblr makes matches better - Follow the supporter group accounts for both teams playing. The memes, reactions, and general chaos add a whole new dimension to watching matches.
Fantasy MLS is actually good now? - They fixed so many of the bugs from previous seasons, and the app actually updates in real-time now! It's a great way to make yourself care about random Wednesday night matches.
Why I'm so hyped for the rest of this season
As we head deeper into the season, the storylines are just getting better:
This is the most wide-open playoff race I can remember - literally 24 of the 29 teams have a legitimate shot
The new young stars are ELECTRIC - I've never seen this many exciting U22 players getting significant minutes
The Leagues Cup tournament with Liga MX teams is going to be CHAOTIC
The stadium atmospheres keep getting better every year
Even if your team is struggling (looking at you, fellow NYCFC fans), there's so much to enjoy about this season. The level of play continues to improve, the fan culture is evolving in awesome ways, and the league's commitment to developing young talent is really paying off.
What's your favorite stadium atmosphere? Who's been your biggest surprise team? How many matches is too many to attend before your significant other threatens to leave you? (Asking for a friend...)
Reblog with your playoff predictions, I want to look back in October and laugh at how wrong we all were!
