San Diego FC MLS debut, LA Galaxy collapse, Vancouver Whitecaps 2025 season
Summary/Excerpt: The 2025 MLS Western Conference midseason grades reveal a wild mix of success and struggle. San Diego FC are breaking records, Vancouver are peaking, and the LA Galaxy are in freefall. Here’s how every team stacks up at the All-Star break.
As the 2025 MLS season hits the All-Star break, the Western Conference has delivered a compelling mix of chaos, surprise packages, and shocking underperformance. While the Eastern Conference has stolen more headlines, the West has its own share of dramatic storylines—from San Diego FC’s stunning debut season to LA Galaxy’s historic collapse.
Here’s how every Western Conference team grades out at the midway point of the season.
🔥 A+ Grades: Dominance and Overachievement
San Diego FC — A+
Standing: 1st
Headline: Expansion Magic
Nobody expected an expansion side to lead the Supporters’ Shield race in its first year—but San Diego FC, under Mikey Varas, has defied all expectations. Anders Dreyer is on pace for MVP with 26 goal contributions in 23 games, and Chucky Lozano has added flair and firepower. Every move has worked, and San Diego looks built for the long haul.
Vancouver Whitecaps — A+
Standing: 2nd
Headline: Historic Run Without Their Star
Jesper Sorensen’s Whitecaps are flying. Despite missing Ryan Gauld, they’ve reached the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and are firmly in the Supporters’ Shield race. Brian White has earned a USMNT call-up, and the team is getting standout performances across the board. The West has a genuine Canadian title contender.
🧠 A to B Range: Contenders With Caveats
Minnesota United — A
Standing: 3rd
Headline: Tactically Brave, Surprisingly Brilliant
Eric Ramsay is leading the youngest and perhaps most tactically daring side in the league. With less than 40% possession on average, the Loons have weaponized transitions and set-pieces. Tani Oluwaseyi is breaking out, and MNUFC are genuine conference contenders.
LAFC — B+
Standing: 4th
Headline: Dark Horse with Room to Grow
LAFC are getting hot at the right time. They’ve turned their stadium into a fortress, Denis Bouanga is in MVP form, and parting with Olivier Giroud opened up crucial DP spots. If they nail the summer window, they’ll be dangerous down the stretch.
Portland Timbers — B
Standing: 6th
Headline: Rebuilding Right
Trading Evander was risky, but David Da Costa has filled the creative void. With Phil Neville maximizing his squad and Da Costa clicking, Portland sits just two points off a top-four spot. Still, a striker signing is crucial after Jonathan Rodriguez’s season-ending injury.
Seattle Sounders — B
Standing: 5th
Headline: Still Sound, Still Solid
Despite Jesus Ferreira underwhelming and injury issues, Seattle is grinding out results. Their Club World Cup showing against PSG impressed, and Brian Schmetzer’s leadership remains the glue. With a few attacking tweaks, they’ll remain in the postseason picture.
San Jose Earthquakes — B-
Standing: 9th
Headline: Identity Taking Shape
Bruce Arena has brought structure, and Chicho Arango is back among the goals. With Cristian Espinoza in elite form, San Jose are dangerous going forward. Defensive stability will determine their ceiling.
Colorado Rapids — B-
Standing: 7th
Headline: Steady But Not Spectacular
Djordje Mihailovic is the engine of this side, but the Rapids need help in wide areas. Chris Armas has done a solid job, but depth on the flanks and at fullback is essential to stay above the playoff line.
😐 C Range: Middling and Inconsistent
Austin FC — C
Standing: 8th
Headline: Blunt in Attack, Yet in the Mix
Despite being the league’s lowest scorers and losing DP Brandon Vazquez to an ACL injury, Austin is somehow still in playoff position. Nico Estevez hasn’t solved their attacking issues, but they’re surviving. Big summer decisions loom.
Houston Dynamo — C
Standing: 11th
Headline: Capable But Underwhelming
Houston has the pieces but lacks execution. Jack McGlynn was a smart pickup, but defensive lapses and poor finishing hurt their postseason hopes. With a minus-nine goal differential, reinforcements are a must.
Real Salt Lake — C+
Standing: 10th
Headline: Too Reliant on Diego Luna
Luna has carried the team with 12 goal contributions, but there’s little support around him. Willy Agada hasn’t delivered up front, and if Luna leaves for Europe, RSL may be doomed without attacking upgrades this summer.
⚠️ C- to F: Flops and Freefalls
FC Dallas — C-
Standing: 13th
Headline: New Coach, Same Problems
Eric Quill hasn’t inspired a turnaround. Lucho Acosta is a bright spot, but the team is flat, error-prone, and lacks bite. They’re nearly out of playoff contention already.
Sporting Kansas City — C-
Standing: 12th
Headline: New Faces, Old Problems
Dejan Joveljic is scoring, and Manu Garcia is settling in, but this team is rudderless without a permanent manager. Kerry Zavagnin is holding things together, but the rebuild needs structure and identity.
St. Louis CITY SC — D
Standing: 14th
Headline: Backwards After Promise
Firing Olof Mellberg midway through the season sums it up. The attack is broken, the defense is porous, and there’s no momentum. CITY are regressing fast.
LA Galaxy — F
Standing: 15th
Headline: The Worst Title Defense in MLS History
Seventeen games before a win. Winless on the road. Greg Vanney got a new contract amid a historically bad season. It’s been a complete disaster for the defending champs, who now must plan for 2026. Nothing about this year is salvageable.
📊 Midseason Superlatives
- Biggest Surprise: San Diego FC
- Biggest Disappointment: LA Galaxy
- Best Signing: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)
- Coach of the Half-Season: Jesper Sorensen (Vancouver Whitecaps)
- Best Attack: San Jose Earthquakes
- Best Defense: Minnesota United
- Team to Watch Post-Window: LAFC
