The 2025 MLS season roared back into action following the return of players from international duty, highlighted by the Gold Cup. All 30 clubs featured over the weekend, as attention shifts toward a busy summer transfer window and the final stretch of the season (SI).

At the bottom of the rankings are the familiar names of underperforming clubs, including D.C. United, St. Louis CITY SC and Atlanta United. Colorado Rapids, meanwhile, climbed into 16th thanks to renewed form (SI).

Chicago Fire (15th) suffered a third consecutive loss despite Hugo Cuypers’ 12th goal, underscoring a lack of offensive depth (SI). Charlotte FC (14th) rebounded after a tough stretch, with Pep Biel and Wilfried Zaha standing out, but remain in need of a new striker (SI). New York City FC (13th) endured a quiet week on the field but secured Nicolás Fernández Mercau as a Designated Player to invigorate their midfield (SI).

Seattle Sounders (12th) are showing promise, notching four wins in their last seven despite lapses in match control . San José Earthquakes (11th) struggled again, exposing defensive vulnerabilities against Minnesota United . Orlando City (10th) missed a chance for a win, failing to convert chances up front and extending a goalless drought .

LAFC surged upward to 9th place after a solid 2–0 victory over FC Dallas, powered by goals from Nathan Ordaz and Denis Bouanga (SI). Vancouver (8th) endured a difficult week in MLS despite advancing in the Canadian Championship .

Columbus Crew (7th) bounced back with a dramatic comeback victory over FC Cincinnati, fueling their confidence and climbing the Eastern Conference standings (SI). Nashville SC (6th) rebounded from a tough result, securing a spot in the U.S. Open Cup semis, even as Joe Willis’ error led to a Messi free-kick goal (SI).

FC Cincinnati (5th) saw a halted four-game win streak, unable to support standout forward Evander despite an early lead . Inter Miami (4th) continue to ride Lionel Messi’s brilliance—his fifth consecutive multi-goal outing—to the top of the Eastern Conference standings .

Minnesota United (3rd) dominated with their feared counter-pressing, executing a convincing 4–1 win over San José . Philadelphia Union (2nd) put together a disciplined display and reclaimed first place in the East behind Quinn Sullivan’s impressive return (SI).

San Diego FC retains the top spot after a 2–1 win over Chicago, led by Anders Dreyer’s brace and a staunch defensive effort. Their consistency has cemented them as heavy favorites in the Western Conference (SI).

Overall, teams at both extremes of the table are finding form. Messi’s historic scoring streak and San Diego’s balance continue to shape the playoff race, while many clubs prepare for summer reinforcements.