Top MLS Teams to Watch in 2025: The Best Clubs Competing for Glory
The Best MLS Teams to Watch heading into the 2025 MLS Season
Teams in MLS have been growing steadily since the league's beginning, with some achieving incredible milestones early in their franchise history. LA Galaxy and LAFC are amongst MLS successful clubs in MLS history. These days, clubs are investing more money and making greater efforts to attract global superstars to help them achieve historic successes. Fans are the backbone of every soccer club, and more Americans are watching soccer to passionately support their teams. Let’s take a closer look at which club has created the most history, inspiring others to follow and build legacies of their own.
Top teams in MLS
Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
LAFC has been one of the most dominant teams in the MLS in recent years, consistently finishing among the top places in the Western Conference. The club won the MLS cup in 2022, solidifying their ongoing success year after year. The team is known for their high-energy playing style, thriving on relentless attacks that keep opponents constantly on edge. As a team, LAFC are highly competitive and always pushing to win trophies.
LAFC always had the quality to be considered a top club in the MLS. Their identity is to play fast soccer with high pressing giving loads of excitement for fans watching their team. With a strong roster, a world-class stadium, and passionate supporters, LAFC has earned its reputation as an MLS giant. The presence of international stars and designated players makes them a very interesting team to watch. Since their start in 2018, LAFC won the MLS cup in 2022 and the Supporters Shield in 2019 and 2022.
LAFC lifting the MLS CUP in 2022
Atlanta United FC
Atlanta United joined MLS in 2017, establishing themselves as one of the league's most exciting and prolific teams. A year after joining the MLS, they managed to win the MLS Cup, securing a first major trophy for the club. They consistently reach the play-off every year, showing the strong chemistry and collective ability. Atlanta United are known for their attacking style and goal scoring excellence. Crucial players for Atlanta United are Brooks Lennon, Aleksei Miranchuk and Stian Gregerson. Miranchuk is regarded as the pivotal figure, orchestrating play and creating spaces for his teammates.
Atlanta United is a well balanced team, with strength in nearly every position. With a solid backline and top-class midfielders, their identity is focused on the attacking phase. The team is known for fast paced soccer, controlling possession of the ball, and attack with numbers making them a threat when going forward. Atlanta has one of the best stadiums (Mercedes Benz Stadium) in the MLS, along with a passionate fanbase and an electrifying atmosphere.
Atlanta United clinching the 2018 MLS Cup
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy, widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in MLS history, faced some struggles in recent years, but triumphed last season by clinching the MLS Cup. They defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the final, securing their first championship in a decade. This trophy brings their total tally to 6 MLS Cups, 4 Supporters Shield, 2 U.S Open Cups and 1 CONCACAF Champions Cup. LA Galaxy where one of the first clubs to bring designated players into the MLS, signing global stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Notable players for LA Galaxy this year include Marco Reus, Riqui Puig and Martin Caceres. After joining in the summer, Marco Reus made a significant impact in the last part of the season, playing a crucial role in helping LA Galaxy secure the MLS Cup. Currently, the team has a mix between established international superstars and experienced MLS players, with Puig standing out as one of the most important players in the team. As a club, their strategy is focused on their offensive side of the pitch, targeting to score goals. Once again, LA Galaxy are set to be among the favorites for the upcoming 2025 season.
LA Galaxy winning the MLS Cup in 2024
Inter Miami CF
Joining the league in 2023, Inter Miami have quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in MLS. Though the club faced early struggles in their debut season, the arrival of Lionel Messi in the summer drastically improved their fortunes. In the second half of the season, Inter Miami went on to win the Leagues Cup and and reaching the U.S. Open Cup Final. Inter Miami signings, such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Josef Martinez, transformed Inter Miami into one of the most dangerous and exciting teams in the league.
Last season, Inter Miami finished first in the Regular Season Standings, playing some fantastic soccer with the team combining together. However, their journey was ended early after they were eliminated in the first round of the MLS Playoffs by Atlanta United. The team's tactical approach relies heavily on long passes and crosses, with full-backs playing a pivotal role in their attacking strategy. They also depend on good ball carriers, to put in an effective long ball to create one-on-one opportunities for their forwards against the goalkeeper. With this system and their talented roster, Inter Miami is poised to be strong title contenders for the MLS Cup and other trophies in the upcoming season.
Inter Miami winning the Leagues Cup in 2023
New York City FC
Debuting in 2015, New York City FC has been one of the league's rising team, managing to win the MLS Cup securing their first-ever MLS Cup in 2021. NYCFC consistently finished among the top teams, solidifying their reputation as title contenders. NYCFC tactics emphasize on possession and fast attacking soccer, giving them an identity and reinforcing their status as one of the best team's in the league. Some NYCFC key players are Santiago Rodríguez, Maxi Moralez, and Thiago Martins.
The club is known for its creative midfield play, possession-based approach, and ability to break down opponents defenses. NYCFC are a well-balanced team with exciting attacking players and a a difficult defense to break down. Given their strong track record, NYCFC is poised to be an automatic contender for the 2025 MLS Cup.
NYCFC MLS Cup winners in 2021
Columbus Crew SC
Columbus Crew was one of the original ten starting teams in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Season. They have been playing consistently since then, maintaining a solid profile and competitiveness in the league. In 2023, they managed to win their third MLS Cup, marking a significant milestone in their history. As a team, they are very tactical, emphasizes on disciplined defending, collective effort, and a midfield-based possession style of play.
Pivotal players for the team are Cucho Hernandez, Darlington Nagbe and Diego Rossi. All these players are important in their respective positions, proving to be pivotal for maintaining the team's balance. The defense, in particular, is regarded as one of the strongest in the league, consistently delivering solid performances and keeping clean sheets.
Columbus Crew lifting the MLS Cup in 2023
In my opinion, among all the teams mentioned, Inter Miami are the clear favorites for next season's MLS Cup trophy. With the significant investment they are making in their squad, they acquired world-class players like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, is a special player who could alone help the club to claim the trophy for the first time next season.
About the author
I have a lifelong love for sports, especially football. I am also passionate about sports writing, gaming, and journalism. Additionally, I’m a pro FIFA/FC player in Malta backed up by a silver trophy in 2023-2024.
