MLS Power Rankings 2025: Messi Inspires Miami Dominance While Sporting KC Hits Rock Bottom

League Leaders and Key Performances

1. Inter Miami CF (Previous: 1)

• Extended dominance with 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union
• Messi scored within 2 minutes of second-half substitution
• Showing championship credentials with depth and clutch performances

2. Columbus Crew (Previous: 4)

• Remain unbeaten after 2-1 road victory against D.C. United
• Five straight matches decided by single goal margins
• Wilfried Nancy developing thrilling but nerve-wracking style

3. Vancouver Whitecaps (Previous: 2)

• Secured important road point (0-0 vs Toronto FC)
• Preparing for Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal
• Missing key creator Ryan Gauld due to injury

Biggest Climbers and Fallers

Biggest Riser: Austin FC (+8 to 10th)

• Third straight win with 1-0 victory over St. Louis City
• Perfecting counter-attacking style under Nico Estevez
• Myrto Uzuni becoming reliable goalscoring threat

Biggest Faller: Charlotte FC (-7 to 9th)

• Followed 4-0 rout with disappointing 2-0 loss to Colorado
• Wilfried Zaha completely ineffective on the wing
• Showing worrying inconsistency early in campaign

Strategic Insights

Set Piece Specialists

• Philadelphia Union created constant danger from dead balls despite loss
• Minnesota United converting offensive pressure into consistent results
• Colorado Rapids showing defensive discipline under Chris Armas

Attacking Concerns

• Seattle Sounders wasted 26 shots (2.9 xG) in 1-1 draw
• Sporting KC remains league's lowest scorer (4 goals in 6 games)
• LA Galaxy goalkeeping errors costing valuable points

Players to Watch

✔ Felipe Mora (Portland Timbers) - 1G 2A in 3-1 win ✔ Djordje Mihailovic (Colorado Rapids) - Dominant midfield display ✔ Luis Muriel (Orlando City) - Extended scoring streak to 6 games ❌ Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) - Another penalty miss proving costly

Bottom of the Table

30. Sporting Kansas City (Previous: 27)

• Only team stuck on single point after six matches
• Conceded two quick goals after taking lead vs FC Dallas
• Peter Vermes facing toughest challenge of his tenure

29. CF Montréal

• First clean sheet in 0-0 draw following coaching change
• Interim manager Marco Donadel stabilizing defense
• Still major concerns in attacking department