MLS Early Season Shocks: Galaxy’s Collapse, Atlanta’s Stumbles, and a Canadian Continental Conquest
The 2025 Major League Soccer season is barely two months old, yet storylines are already exploding across the league, defying preseason expectations and leaving fans scratching their heads. From shocking collapses to disappointing performances from supposed contenders, the early going has been anything but predictable.
The most stunning development undoubtedly revolves around the defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy. Just a few short months ago, they were lifting the trophy in celebration. Now, they find themselves in a desperate fight to avoid the ignominy of the Wooden Spoon, awarded to the team with the worst regular-season record. Last week’s 4-2 home defeat against the Portland Timbers was just the latest in a series of painful setbacks, amplifying the pressure on the team and their leadership.
The Galaxy are winless through their first ten matches, having suffered seven losses. This dismal record is particularly baffling considering their previously impenetrable fortress at Dignity Health Park in Carson, California. During their championship-winning 2024 campaign, they didn’t lose a single game on their home turf. This season, however, they’ve already succumbed to defeat four times in front of their own fans. The question now is, how much more time does Greg Vanney have? Is it too soon to label his seat as “hot”? The shine of last year’s trophy is fading fast as the results fail to materialize.
This week offers little respite for the struggling Galaxy. They are slated to appear on Apple TV’s "Sunday Night Soccer" showcase, facing Sporting Kansas City, a team that barely sits above them in the Western Conference standings. This match is not the clash of titans that it once was between these two MLS original clubs. Both teams find themselves in need of a turnaround, desperate for points to climb out of their respective holes.
The struggles aren’t limited to the West Coast. Over in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta United is experiencing a similarly disappointing start to the season, raising questions about the leadership of coach Ronny Deila. Deila arrived in Atlanta with a proven track record, having guided New York City FC to the MLS Cup title in 2021. However, his magic touch seems to have deserted him in Georgia.
Despite significant offseason additions, including the return of Miguel Almirón – a key player in Atlanta’s 2018 MLS Cup-winning team – and the acquisition of Emmanuel Latte Lath for an MLS-record transfer fee, Atlanta has managed only two wins in their first ten games. The team’s performance is simply not living up to expectations, given the talent on the roster and the investment made by the club. Deila faces mounting pressure to find a solution and quickly turn the tide.
Adding another layer of intrigue is the contrasting fortunes of Nashville SC. They are coming off a dominant 7-2 victory over the Chicago Fire, showcasing their offensive firepower. This game was particularly noteworthy for the coaching matchup between former U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter and former USMNT interim coach B.J. Callahan. Nashville’s resurgence provides a stark contrast to the struggles of Atlanta and highlights the volatility of the league.
Beyond the domestic drama, the Concacaf Champions Cup has reached its climax. The Vancouver Whitecaps have emerged as unlikely finalists, stunning the soccer world by dismantling Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in a two-leg semifinal rout. They will face Liga MX powerhouse Cruz Azul in the final on Sunday, June 1, for the title of continental champion. Vancouver’s surprising run has captivated fans and solidified their place as a team to watch in MLS.
With the Concacaf Champions Cup wrapping up, attention now turns to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Round of 32 is set to take place on May 6-7, featuring a mix of MLS teams and clubs from lower divisions.
The breakdown of teams by league in the Round of 32 is as follows: 16 from Major League Soccer, 12 from USL Championship, 3 from USL League One, and 1 from MLS NEXT Pro. This tournament provides a platform for underdog stories and unexpected upsets, as teams from different levels compete for a chance at glory.
Despite the early-season struggles of some of the league’s biggest names, oddsmakers still view Inter Miami as the favorites to win the 2025 MLS Cup, placing them at +400 according to BetMGM. The Vancouver Whitecaps are second favorites at +700, followed by the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati at +1100. The Los Angeles FC and Philadelphia Union are tied at +1600, while Minnesota United FC rounds out the top contenders at +1800. These odds reflect the perceived potential of these teams, despite their current form or challenging start to the season.
As the season progresses, the early surprises and disappointments serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MLS. The Galaxy’s dramatic fall from grace, Atlanta’s underperformance, and Vancouver’s unexpected continental success highlight the league’s constant state of flux. While some teams strive to maintain their dominance, others fight to overcome adversity and prove their doubters wrong. Every match presents a new opportunity for teams to rewrite their narratives and make their mark on the 2025 season.
Access to MLS content has been expanded through various platforms. All Major League Soccer games air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Some select games are available for free on Apple TV and viewers only need an Apple ID to watch.
To further enhance accessibility, Comcast Xfinity and DirecTV customers can subscribe and watch MLS Season Pass through the TV providers, while T-Mobile users will be able to access MLS Season Pass for free. FOX Sports will air select games on linear television. This week, Atlanta United vs. Nashville SC airs on FOX and San Diego FC vs. FC Dallas airs on FS1, granting even more fans the ability to enjoy the matches.
The early part of the 2025 MLS season has offered up drama, surprises, and compelling narratives. Whether it’s the defending champion’s shocking collapse, the emergence of a Canadian powerhouse on the continental stage, or the unexpected results shaking up the league standings, one thing is certain: this MLS season promises to be one to remember.
