The international break gave the teams across the MLS time to reset, refocus, and even make some changes.
Sporting Kansas City fired their longtime manager, while other teams, such as Columbus, Miami, and Vancouver, used their time to rest and revamp for the next stretch of games.
Having a good start out of these breaks can make all the difference as we approach the beginning of Summer.
Sporting Kansas City Earn Their First Win
It’s been no secret that this season has been challenging for Sporting Kansas City from the outset.
They got off to one of their worst starts since Pete Vermes took over as head coach in 2009. After parting ways with Vermes, Sporting finally got its first win of the season.
This win may not be the one that pushes momentum forward for a playoff push.
It does give hope that Kansas City can be competitive going forward and get this aging roster to play to a better standard.
Vancouver and San Diego Are the Teams to Beat In the West
The Western Conference has been a free-for-all in the early season, thanks to the poor start by the LA Galaxy.
Teams that used to be at the top of the West have found themselves at the bottom, with unexpected teams controlling the standings.
The Vancouver Whitecaps best finish was in 2014 where they finished third, since then their best finish has been eighth place as they struggle to stay in the playoff picture.
This year has been a pleasant surprise of power as the Whitecaps control their destiny in what feels like the first time since becoming a team in 2011.
They have the lead on other teams around them despite four teams trailing them with just one less win.
The West is weak allowing Vancouver to slide right to the top, this has also allowed San Diego FC to become contenders in year one as an expansion team. These wins have been accredited to the 26-year-old Danish Star Anders Dreyer.
Dreyer has three goals putting him up with the league’s very best scorers. Despite this he will need help if San Diego plans on beating the top teams across the league, something they have failed to do.
A draw to St. Louis and a loss to LAFC are concerns when you add the fact they failed to beat Austin FC and drew with Columbus Crew.
San Diego is a playoff team there is no doubt about that. The real question is can they contend with the other top teams around them when it matters?
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Mayhem in the Eastern Conference
When compared to the West, the Eastern Conference by far has the most title competitors and more talent from team to team.
Despite the early standings, it is hard to tell who are the real contenders in the Conference.
Columbus Crew are on top of the conference despite losing talent for the past two years and failing to replace them. The Crew will always find a way to be near the top, thanks to the mind of Wilfried Nancy and his tactics.
Behind the Crew is Inter Miami who has by far the most talent in the league. Miami is expected to bounce to the top of the league as they improve health over the break.
Having Lionel Messi is a clear advantage, when paired with Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez it is unfair to those who don’t have the international talent to compete.
Inter Miami and Columbus Crew face off on Saturday, April 19, which will give us a clear look at who is the true top of the East.
The East goes as deep as nine teams, Nashville looks competitive after a disappointing season a year ago, they are the ninth team that could make some noise and knocks out last year’s Eastern Conference champs the New York Red Bulls.
Charlotte FC has a lot of fight in them at the top half of the standings next to Philadelphia Union and Orlando City SC.
Any of these teams could overtake Columbus or Miami if they trip closer to the Summer.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 12.04.2025