Who's hot, who's not? GOAL ranks all 30 teams across Major League Soccer after the opening weekend of the 30th season
Hello, 2025. Matchday one of the season is officially in the books, and we learned a lot about what the upcoming campaign will have in store.
Goals galore exploded Saturday, with four teams scoring at least four times, and eight matches having a minimum of four goals combined between both teams. Four clubs earned shutouts, while only two matches remained 0-0 draws.
Newcomers San Diego FC shocked the MLS world with a stunning victory over the reigning champions LA Galaxy in their league debut, while MLS Cup runner-ups RBNY lost as well. Elsewhere in the league, Atlanta United's high-profile offseason signings led them to victory, while Bruce Arena's takeover of the San Jose Earthquakes set them on track to begin 2025 with a bang.
Not everybody started things hot, however. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami capitulated internally, but the wand of his boot rescued them late, while their Floridian compatriots Orlando City were stunned on opening day by a surprising Philadelphia Union side.
GOAL rewinds the weekend action, going over the top moments – including Atlanta and San Diego's boomin start to 2025 – but this is all about who's hot, and who's not.
So, which club leads the pack, and who is falling short of expectations? GOAL presents the 2025 MLS Power Rankings.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now
IMAGN30Portland Timbers
Phil Neville has to really hate Vancouver. In their last two meetings, they've been outscored 9-1 by the Canadian side, and that speaks volumes.
The Timbers' Achilles heel in 2024 was their defense, and not much changed with their backline heading into 2025, which is not particularly ideal.
If changes aren't made quickly, it could be a long season for Portland.
Advertisement29Real Salt Lake
RSL just need to forget Saturday's match and put it in the back of their mind. They conceded four to San Jose, and were completely outclassed in every aspect of the match.
If they can get Diego Luna on the ball more, and bring in a high-profile striker for the season, they will likely be fine and competing for a playoff spot. However, they will be heavily dependent on both of those things coming true.
28Houston Dynamo
Houston, we have a problem.
The Dynamo were upset by cross-state rivals FC Dallas 2-1 in their home stadium on opening day. That one has to hurt.
The good news? Jack McGlynn looks like a perfect fit in their midfield, and he even hit the post with a long-range effort.
There's promise with their roster, it just remains to see if it clicks.
27Sporting Kansas City
Sporting struggled on opening day, falling to Austin FC 1-0. However, it was quickly evident based on their XI that manager Peter Vermes was prioritizing their CONCACAF Champions Cup series vs. Inter Miami.
Dejan Joveljic did not start the match but got his first MLS minutes for the club off the bench. A big season rests ahead for the 2024 MLS Cup-winning striker in the Midwest, while Week 2 will offer a better glance at how they shape up as a club in 2025.