The Eastern Conference: A Fresh Season, A Wide-Open Race
As the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off in less than a week, the Eastern Conference is brimming with anticipation and uncertainty. The past year was a rollercoaster, with Inter Miami clinching the Supporters Shield and the New York Red Bulls securing the conference trophy en route to MLS Cup. However, with significant roster changes across several teams, the landscape looks wide open for the upcoming campaign. Let’s delve into the major storylines that will shape the Eastern Conference this season.
Major Contenders in the Eastern Conference
Atlanta United, a club known for its ambitious spending, has made a substantial investment to rejoin the top echelon of MLS. Since June 2024, they have splashed over $50 million on talent like Miguel Almirón, Aleksei Miranchuk, and the league-record signing Emmanuel Latte Lath. These acquisitions are expected to make Atlanta a formidable force once again, particularly in their home fortress, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Five Stripes are determined to return to their glory days and could be a serious contender for conference supremacy.
FC Cincinnati, another team with lofty ambitions, had a tumultuous offseason marked by a transfer saga involving their star attacker Lucho Acosta. Despite the drama, they have made some shrewd moves, such as signing striker Kévin Denkey for a record fee of $16 million, bringing in Middlesbrough left-back Lukas Engel, and securing the permanent deal for prolific wing-back Luca Orellano from Brazil. After Acosta’s departure, Cincinnati swiftly signed Portland’s MVP nominee Evander to lead their attack. These moves, along with their existing talent, position them as strong contenders in the East.
Under Wilfried Nancy, the Columbus Crew remain a force to be reckoned with. Despite the departure of star attacker Cucho Hernández this winter, they have made strategic additions to evolve their squad. While they have only brought in free agent Lassi Lappalainen so far, they did significant work during the summer, signing DeJuan Jones and Aziel Jackson. If the Crew can secure a big-name attacker in the coming weeks, they will be immediate contenders for silverware in 2025.
Dark Horses in the Eastern Conference
One team that could surprise the league is the Chicago Fire, now under the leadership of former U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) boss Gregg Berhalter. Berhalter, who now serves as both head coach and sporting director, brings a sense of stability to the Windy City. He has already made some significant changes, including the departure of players like Gaston GÃmenez. The Fire have bolstered their roster with a mix of solid MLS experience and European talent, signing former Philadelphia defender Jack Elliot, Club Brugge’s Philip Zinckernagel, and Celta Vigo’s Jonathan Bamba. Despite finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference last season, the Chicago Fire, with Berhalter’s guidance, could be pushing for a home playoff game by season’s end.
Teams Potentially in Trouble in the Eastern Conference
The race for the Wooden Spoon (the moniker for the worst team in the league) is looking increasingly likely to be fought in the Eastern Conference. D.C. United, for instance, finished level on points with the final playoff spot last season but has made minimal improvements this winter. Key players like Cristian Dajome, Teddy Ku-DiPietro, and Mateusz Klich have all departed, and their replacements come with significant question marks. The one bright spot for D.C. United is the continued presence of MLS golden boot winner Christian Benteke, who will be crucial to their hopes of avoiding the cellar.
Nashville SC, another team that finished 13th in 2024, has also done little to suggest they can close the gap to the playoffs. The midseason hiring of B.J. Callaghan, who had success with the USMNT, was a positive move, but the team will need more on-field talent to succeed. While they have improved their midfield with the signings of Gaston Brugman, Bryan Acosta, and Edvard Togseth, they will need to add more star power to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle. The coming months will be critical for Nashville to make the necessary moves to secure their future.
Conclusion
As the 2025 MLS season draws near, the Eastern Conference presents a compelling mix of established contenders, potential dark horses, and teams at risk of falling behind. The investments made by Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Columbus, along with the new direction under Gregg Berhalter in Chicago, could reshape the landscape. Meanwhile, D.C. United and Nashville SC will need to make significant improvements to avoid being mired in a fight for survival. The coming months will be crucial as teams finalize their rosters and set their sights on the ultimate prize.
