The MLS is unusual compared to other Soccer leagues across the world. This is due to their Conference structure, which is normal in North American sports. The MLS balance of power has shifted in a way that is uniquely American.
The Western Conference has dominated the MLS in the past, as it usually has the league’s best records fighting for the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup. The Shift was sudden and unexpected, going into this year after the LA Galaxy won the MLS Cup and fell to the cellar as the worst team in the league.
It goes to show how fast the league can change. This year, it was more than a changing power but a shift in which Conference has the best teams and the eyes of the league on them.
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MLS Balance of Power Moving East
New Top Teams in the West
The Western Conference faced a change this season with the LA Galaxy falling off and new teams rising to the top of the conference. There are a few teams that could still win the MLS Cup out of the West.
The big difference compared to past seasons is that the West is only four teams deep in terms of who can make a run to the MLS Cup.
San Diego, Minnesota, and Vancouver appear to be the true contenders that could come out of the West and win the Cup. The only team outside of that core three I could see winning it all is LAFC, who added to their already talented roster.
Other teams like Seattle, Portland, and Austin may have good seeding going into the playoffs, but they fail to have a compelling roster that can make a run against the top teams in the West, who appear much stronger this season.
The West has too many surprises that hold back the middle of the pack, compared to the East, which has more quality appears that they may have the best team in the league.
The Quality of the East
The Eastern Conference has been loaded in terms of teams that can compete for the MLS Cup. Cincinnati and Philadelphia have been two of the best teams in the league as they have exchanged first place back and forth throughout the year.
These two teams alone would boost the standard for all the Eastern Conference teams. The high quality of teams only continues when you look across the table.
Charlotte has been red hot since the All-Star break, as they have not just clinched a playoff spot but are currently in sole possession of third place after being a fringe playoff team for the majority of the season.
Nashville, Columbus, and Orlando have been in a fist fight over who will fill out the fourth seed. All three have major talent but have bounced around, being at the top of the standings to near the play-in game.
As the standings go to the last three playoff seeds, it is still filled with teams that have enough talent to be anywhere in the standings.
The East owns the MLS as the season comes to its conclusion. The winner could be from either conference, just like any season. If the regular season is any indicator of things to come, it’ll be that every playoff game in the East will be a fight.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date 12.09.2025