Football General Manager
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 Loons 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.
BALLGM grades each Western Conference team as the second window arrives and the final stretch of the campaign sits on the horizon.
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 Loons 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.
BALLGM grades each Western Conference team as the second window arrives and the final stretch of the campaign sits on the horizon.
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 really 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
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
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
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
Current Standing: 15th place
Season so far: The Galaxy has had nothing short of a disastrous start to 2025. It took them 17 matches until they won their first game of the campaign. The Galaxy had the worst start for defending MLS Cup champions in league history. Despite that, manager Greg Vanney was handed a multi-year contract extension earlier this season.
The campaign has been woeful. It’s been a season full of underperformances all around, including on the touchline. They’re in last place in the conference, winless in 12 road matches, and have conceded 45 goals in 23 games. Nothing can save their season. On to 2026.
Major Moves:
+ Traded striker Dejan Joveljic to Sporting KC
+ Brought in Christian Ramirez from Columbus Crew
Current Standing: Fourth place
Season so far: It’s been a good season for LAFC. They had a few early-season struggles, and their performances at both the Champions Cup and Club World Cup left a lot to be desired, but their regular-season showings over the past three months have them right in the fight for silverware. Manager Steve Cherundolo announced that he’s stepping down at the end of the season, but things are starting to take shape.
They’ve turned BMO Stadium into a fortress, finding results in nine out of their 11 home matches, and winger Denis Bouanga has remained among the elite tier of playmakers in MLS. Perhaps the best choice the club made in 2025 was to part ways with Olivier Giroud, after the deal between the two parties didn’t work out during his time in the league. Now, LAFC has two open DP spots heading into this summer transfer window, and room to build out an already talented roster. They could be looked at as a dark horse MLS Cup candidate.
Major Moves:
+ Acquired Javairô Dilrosun on loan from Club America
+ Mutually terminated the contract of Olivier Giroud
+ Sold Mateusz Bogusz to Cruz Azul
Current Standing: Second place
Season so far: Ramsay has taken this MNUFC team to unprecedented heights, and they’ve become one of the most fascinating teams in the league. They win by capitalizing on moments off the ball, averaging less than 40 percent possession per match this season. Their two-striker system, with five defenders, is focused on set pieces, a transitional game, and a high-press system that only five teams have managed to defeat this campaign.
Canada international Tani Oluwaseyi has had a breakout campaign in the attack, while midfielder Joaquin Pereyra has become a must-watch player in central and wide areas. The Loons are off to the semifinals of the Open Cup, and look like a team that can compete for a Western Conference title. Ramsay has them playing a fascinating game, and come the playoffs, it could stump opponents. They’re a squad to watch, and an organization who are playing every card right at the moment.
Major Moves:
+ Signed Julian Gressel off of waivers
+ Signed defender Nicolas Romero from Atletico Tucuman
Current Standing: Sixth place
Season so far: Portland lost arguably the most talented player to ever play for the club in Evander ahead of the season, as he requested a trade amid a fallout with the front office. A $13M trade to FC Cincinnati followed, and they replaced him with Portuguese midfielder David Da Costa from Ligue 1 side Lens. He’s slowly started to find his footing, with 12 goal contributions in 21 appearances. With that, Portland has slowly found its groove as well, with Da Costa pulling the strings centrally.
Just two points back from fourth place in the standings, they’re in contention for a top-four finish in the conference and home playoff priority. Phil Neville has done well to get the most out of his squad, but an uphill battle remains. They won’t have injured forward Jonathan Rodriguez for the remainder of the season, and have a major hole in the striker position. They’re a team to watch in the transfer window this month.
Major Moves:
+ Traded Evander to FC Cincinnati
+ Signed David Da Costa from RC Lens
Current Standing: 10th place
Season so far: RSL were in limbo ahead of the campaign. They needed to make moves in the transfer window to compete with the rest of the league, but nothing came to fruition until the final day, when they secured Willy Agada from Sporting KC. However, in 12 appearances, he’s managed to score just two goals — and RSL’s attacking output has suffered due to their lack of a top-tier No. 9. Diego Luna, the breakout USMNT star of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, has been one of the few bright spots in the squad. The 21-year-old has 12 goal contributions and leads them in both scoring and assists.
This upcoming transfer window will define their 2025 season. They need attacking reinforcements if they want to compete for a postseason spot. Knowing there is a chance that Luna departs for Europe, with La Liga side Celta Vigo reportedly interested, RSL has to make moves over the next month. There’s no room for error.
Major Moves:
+ Traded for Willy Agada from Sporting Kansas City
+ Sent Chicho Arango to the San Jose Earthquakes
Current Standing: First place
Season so far: What a debut campaign for the expansion side. They’ve been absolutely terrific all season long, and have both feet in the race for the Western Conference title and the Supporters’ Shield. First-year head coach Mikey Varas has been nothing short of exceptional, getting the most out of his roster that was compiled on relatively short notice.
Forward Anders Dreyer has been a revelation in the attack, and is a frontrunner for both league MVP and Newcomer of the Year, with 26 goal contributions in 23 appearances this season. SDFC’s inaugural campaign has been a dream. Well done to all involved.
Major Moves
+ Signed Anders Dreyer from Anderlecht
+ Signed Chucky Lozano from PSV
Current Standing: Ninth place
Season so far: The Earthquakes look good this year. They have their flaws, and the roster is far from perfect. But Bruce Arena has them playing cohesive soccer in a system with identity. They’re right in the middle of the playoff hunt, and have some good pieces. They might sit ninth in the table, but they’re just six points out of fourth, which would mean home stadium priority in the postseason.
Cristian Espinoza is playing out of his mind, and striker Chicho Arango is back to scoring goals. They’re the second-highest scoring team in the West , and are playing fluid, forward-thinking soccer. If they can shore up some defensive shortcomings, things are going to look much better in two months time.
Major Moves:
+ Traded for Chicho Arango from RSL
+ Hired Bruce Arena as manager
Current Standing: Fifth place
Season so far: The Sounders have had a positive campaign, but not perfect. Their marquee offseason addition, Jesus Ferreira, hasn’t panned out the way they’d hoped. They’ve also been hit by injuries. The fact that they have managed to stay competitive with the rest of the league during this stretch, however, is a testament to Brian Schmetzer’s coaching ability and buy-in under his leadership from the entire team.
Seattle fought valiantly at the FIFA Club World Cup and put up a top-tier performance against reigning European Champions PSG. In MLS, they’ve been relatively consistent. But they’re still missing that fighting edge.
Major Moves:
+ Traded for Jesus Ferreira from FC Dallas
+ Signed winger Ryan Kent as a free agent
Current Standing: 12th place
Season so far: Sporting parted ways with longtime manager Peter Vermes just five matches into the campaign, and although there’s been minor improvement since, it’s not been enough. They’re still lurking near the bottom of the West. Interim manager Kerry Zavagnin has done a fine job of maintaining the group since Vermes’ departure, but its clear they need a permanent head coach with a philosophy on the pitch.
Positively, though, the club had an ambitious offseason that seems to be paying off. They spent $4M to add Dejan Joveljic from the LA Galaxy, and he’s scoring goals for fun. New DP midfielder Manu Garcia seems to finally be finding his groove, as well. Both will be key players as the season winds down, but a big transfer window awaits.
Major Moves:
+ Mutually parted ways with manager Peter Vermes
+ Sold forward Alan Pulido to Chivas
+ Traded for forward Dejan Joveljic from LA Galaxy
+ Signed Manu Garcia from Spain as a new DP
Current Standing: 14th place
Season so far: CITY hired Olof Mellberg after an underwhelming 2024 campaign – and then they fired the coach after just 15 matches. That’s a pretty good summary of how 2025 has gone for the club. Poor planning and poor roster management have them sitting near the bottom of the table.
They are the second-lowest scoring team in the conference and have the second-worst goal differential. Their attack hasn’t been cohesive in front of net, their midfield hasn’t found its groove, and their defense has been leaking goals. It’s just been a campaign to forget. As it stands, CITY are outside the playoff picture.
Major Moves:
+ Hired Olof Mellberg, then fired him
+ Traded for Xande Silva from Atlanta United
Current Standing: Second place
Season so far: What a truly incredible start to 2025 from the Whitecaps. They’ve been dominant all campaign long, stunning in regular-season play and in domestic competition in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they reached the final. First-year manager Jesper Sorensen has turned veteran striker Brian White into a U.S. men’s national team player, while midfielder Sebastian Berhalter joined White at the Gold Cup. Winger Jayden Nelson worked his way into Jesse Marsch’s Canada side for the competition, as well.
Factor in that they’re playing at this level without Ryan Gauld, arguably their best player, and it’s even more impressive. The Whitecaps are doing everything right at the moment, and they’re right in the race for both the Conference title and Supporters’ Shield.
Major Moves:
+ Signed winger Emmanuel Sabbi from Le Havre
+ Signed winger Jayden Nelson from Rosenborg
