Seven matchdays into the 2025 MLS season, it’s becoming clear which teams will be good for the rest of the season.
While every club had early-season hopes and dreams, dismal starts have seen many quickly dissipate, as other clubs have provided ample surprises in the first two months of the campaign.
Seven games is roughly one-fifth of the MLS 34-match season, but it provides a strong window into a team's prospects for the rest of the season—of course, except for the always slow-starting Seattle Sounders, who often start with struggles before contending for trophies.
Here are five teams that are early MLS Cup contenders. After all, who doesn’t love making predictions for November in April?
5. LAFC
LAFC haven’t quite shown their peak in MLS yet, but there are elements within their performances that indicate they might just be a contender once again this season.
Even with some struggles of late, they have Denis Bouanga and new signing Jeremy Ebobisse, who started the season strong with a goal in his first three games but has recently been sidelined with an injury.
While Bouanga hasn’t scored in MLS, and they sit ninth in the Western Conference,. they have the elements of a championship team, with league superstars combined with veteran poise and depth.
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The recent results may not wholly indicate their true potential. There has been ample focus on their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal tie against Inter Miami CF, whom they beat 1–0 in the first leg at home.
Additionally, LAFC have never been shy to make a summer signing, so they remain in a prime position to add to an already talented group and elevate their play towards the MLS Cup Playoffs.
4. Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union made a big gamble when they replaced 10-year head coach Jim Curtin with former St. Louis CITY SC manager Bradley Carnell, but it’s proven to be a shrewd move.
On Matchday 6, they pushed Inter Miami and showed their abilities to frustrate a team with depth and quality in every position, only eventually losing to a moment of magic from Lionel Messi. On Matchday 7, they returned to their defensive identity with a scoreless draw against Orlando City SC.
