2025 MLS Season Kicks Off with New Faces and Fresh Rivalries
The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to commence on February 22-23, marking a fresh start for teams eager to build on their previous successes or turn around challenging seasons. After the LA Galaxy’s historic victory in the 2024 MLS Cup, which saw them clinch their sixth championship, teams have had over two months to restructure their rosters. The Galaxy, in particular, will see significant changes as star striker Dejan Joveljić moves to Sporting Kansas City, and versatile midfielder Mark Delgado joins LAFC to comply with salary cap regulations. Additionally, the team will be without Riqui Puig, arguably the league’s top midfielder, for the majority of the season due to a torn ACL. These adjustments will test the champions’ resilience and adaptability in the new season.
Inter Miami’s Quest for Dominance Continues
Inter Miami, led by the dynamic trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets, along with the experienced Jordi Alba, will aim to assert their dominance once again. Despite a surprising playoff exit in the previous season, the team’s world-class roster remains intact. The club’s ability to blend these global stars with their existing talent will be crucial in their bid for another championship. Miami’s success will also hinge on how well they can maintain their form throughout the demanding schedule, including the inevitable pauses for international competitions like the Club World Cup and Gold Cup.
San Jose Earthquakes and Atlanta United Strengthen Their Attacks
Bruce Arena’s San Jose Earthquakes have made significant strides in strengthening their attack for the 2025 season. The addition of Chicho Arango and Josef Martinez, two proven goal-scorers, is expected to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities. Arena’s strategic moves will be pivotal in helping the Earthquakes compete in the highly competitive Western Conference. Similarly, Atlanta United has splashed the cash to bring in Emmanuel Latte Lath and Miguel Almiron, further solidifying their forward line. These investments reflect the club’s ambition to challenge for top honors in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Key Dates and Rivalry Week
The 2025 MLS season will feature several key dates that fans and teams alike will be watching closely. Rivalry Week, a highlight of the calendar, is scheduled from May 14-18. This week will see a series of high-stakes matches, including St. Louis City versus Sporting Kansas City on May 14, and a pair of classic derbies on May 17: New York City versus New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew versus FC Cincinnati. The Pacific Northwest rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders will also take center stage on May 17. The week concludes with two pivotal matches on May 18: Inter Miami versus Orlando City and LA Galaxy versus LAFC, both sure to draw significant attention from fans and media alike.
International Competitions and MLS Breaks
The 2025 MLS season will include necessary breaks to accommodate international competitions. From June 15-24, MLS action will pause to allow clubs to focus on the Club World Cup and Gold Cup. Miami and Seattle will represent MLS in the Club World Cup, while the USMNT, Canada, and Mexico will compete in the Gold Cup. These breaks provide opportunities for players to represent their national teams and for clubs to rest and regroup, though they also disrupt the regular season rhythm.
MLS All-Star Game, Leagues Cup, and Decision Day
The MLS All-Star Game is set for July 23 and will be hosted at Q2 Stadium, the home of Austin FC in Texas. The opponent for this year’s All-Star Game will be announced at a later date. The All-Star Skills Challenge, a fan favorite, will take place the day before, on July 22. The 2025 Leagues Cup, a competition between MLS and Liga MX teams, will run from July 29 to August 31. The Concacaf Champions Cup, the premier club competition in North, Central America, and the Caribbean, will be held from February 4 to June 1. MLS teams that have qualified for the Champions Cup include Miami, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City, Seattle Sounders, FC Cincinnati, and Real Salt Lake.
The regular season will conclude with Decision Day on October 18, when all teams will play their final regular-season games. Eastern Conference matches will kick off at 6 p.m. ET, followed by Western Conference games at 9 p.m. ET. The playoffs will commence shortly after, with an exact schedule to be announced later. The intensity and significance of Decision Day will be felt across the league as teams vie for playoff spots and championship aspirations.
