The 2025 MLS season reached its halfway point last weekend, and we're ranking all the teams.
If you're unfamiliar, we use a data-based model to create these rankings and hopefully give a more holistic view of how teams are actually performing.
Overall Performance Index
Our power rankings are solely created by a data-based model we've pretentiously labeled "the Overall Performance Index" (OPI). This new model includes the same factors as the prior edition (points per game, strength of schedule, goal difference and expected goal difference), while adding several other factors to give a more rounded picture. Here's how the model is calculated (click here for a more in-depth explanation):
1. Points per game – 25%
2. Goals Added – 15%
3. Form (last four matches) – 15%
4. Goal difference – 13%
5. Strength of schedule – 10%
6. Expected goal difference – 10%
7. Home and away form – 12%
Let's dive in!
Despite their lopsided loss in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, the Vancouver Whitecaps retain their spot at the top, both in the rankings and the Supporters' Shield standings. They're on the longest active unbeaten streak in MLS play at 10 matches, and should still be poised to hold onto their spot at the top. International absences will challenge them over the next few weeks.
Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union each hold onto their spots in second and third place, respectively. They're both on nine-match unbeaten runs in MLS play and look like two of the real contenders in the Eastern Conference. Orlando City drop two spots after a heavy loss to Chicago Fire, while Inter Miami jump up four places after a dominant 5-1 win over the Columbus Crew.
After a several weeks of poor form, Charlotte FC are back in the top 10 after a 2-0 win at Toronto FC, while San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew all drop.
Check back next week for another update.
