GOAL grades each Western Conference team, just past the halfway point of the regular season
The MLS season can be grueling, a 34-game regular season interrupted by continental, global, and domestic competitions. The MLS All-Star Game is next week, marking the unofficial midpoint of the 2025 campaign, and the league’s landscape is starting to take shape.
The Western Conference hasn't quite been the blockbuster show that the East has been this year, but it's still full of storylines, from dramatic on-field performances to lackluster coaching and failed transfers. Expansion side San Diego FC is looking to make history, becoming the first debutant since 1998 to win the Supporters' Shield
In the Midwest, the youngest manager in MLS, Eric Ramsay, is leading an exciting Minnesota United side through the conference. The are playing one of the league's most interesting styles at the moment, winning matches without the ball. In the Pacific Northwest, the Vancouver Whitecaps are excelling at a rate never seen from the Canadian franchise, and it's starting to look like this could be their season.
There have also been disappointments, though. Reigning MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy are having an historically horrible season, while the likes of St. Louis CITY SC and FC Dallas have struggled.
With the summer transfer window about to open, the stakes are rising. It’s the last real opportunity for clubs to bolster rosters ahead of the final push.
GOAL grades each Western Conference team as the second window arrives and the final stretch of the campaign sits on the horizon.
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Current Standing: Eighth place
Season so far: Austin has had an underwhelming start to 2025, particularly in the attack. They are the lowest-scoring team in MLS, despite spending more than $20M combined on two new DPs in Brandon Vazuqez and Myrto Uzuni. And Vazquez is now sidelined for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL last week.
New coach Nico Estevez has yet to figure things out, but they're finding results and in the playoff picture. They're five points back from fourth place and a home playoff game, despite struggling. It's hard to picture Austin contending, especially Vazquez out. A big transfer window looms now as they look to plug some holes.
Major Moves:
+ Signed Brandon Vazquez from Rayados as a DP
+ Signed Myrto Uzuni from Granada as a DP
AdvertisementGetty Images SportColorado Rapids: B-
Current Standing: Seventh place
Season so far: The Rapids are playing at a level exactly where most expected. They're in the hunt for a home playoff spot, but also sitting in a spot where nothing is guaranteed. Chris Armas has done a relatively good job of getting the most out of a heavily domestic roster while utilizing the experience of veterans to lift some of the younger players.
In particular, midfielder Djordje Mihailovic has been spectacular, with 16 goal contributions. He's helped elevate the midfield and attack, while forward Rafael Navarro is closing in on double-digits in scoring. Where they lack edge, though, is in wide spaces in the attack and defense. This upcoming window will be crucial to build out their fullback and winger depth, while bringing in talent to push for starting minutes. If Colorado wants to compete with the best in the West, they need to make a few moves.
Major Moves:
+ Traded for Josh Atencio from Seattle Sounders
+ Traded for Ted Ku-DiPietro from D.C. United
Getty Images SportFC Dallas: C-
Current Standing: 13th place
Season so far: FCD brought a wildcard in coach Eric Quill before the start of the season. A former head coach at the MLS NEXT Pro and USL levels, Quill was a gamble – and so far, it has not paid off. They were smart to offload Jesus Ferreira before the start of the campaign, and bringing Lucho Acosta to bolster their attack was just as smart.
For some reason, though, things are flat. FCD's attacking output is lackluster, their defense has been prone to individual errors, and nobody has particularly stepped up. FCD is seven points out of a play-in spot, and eight back from a guaranteed playoff spot. As it stands, they're not looked at as a contender.
Major Moves:
+ Traded Jesus Ferreira to Seattle Sounders
+ Traded for midfielder Lucho Acosta from FC Cincinnati
Getty Images SportHouston Dynamo: C
Current Standing: 11th place
Season so far: The Dynamo are not considered contenders, but one or two key additions this transfer window could change that. They're right in the fold of competing for a low-end playoff spot or a play-in game. They made an ambitious play to acquire U.S. international Jack McGlynn ahead of the season, and the move has worked out for the most part. But it's not a signing that takes them from mid-table in the conference to the top of the West.
As it stands, the Dynamo have a minus-nine goal differential and are the fifth-lowest scoring team in the conference. They're not getting enough attacking output, and their defense – which has conceded the fifth-most goals in the West – is letting them down. They'll need a big summer window if they want to find themselves in the postseason this fall.
Major Moves:
+ Sold Adalberto Carrasquilla to PUMAS
+ Traded for Jack McGlynn from Philadelphia Union