With the start of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, the league's teams are gearing up to showcase new acquisitions and aim for improved performances compared to last season's struggles. The opening weekend is packed with intriguing matchups, including the San Jose Earthquakes facing Real Salt Lake, and the Columbus Crew taking on Chicago Fire. Each encounter promises excitement, particularly as new talents emerge and coaches set the tone for their respective campaigns.
San Jose Earthquakes, under the guidance of new head coach Bruce Arena, are hoping to shed the disappointment of their abysmal 2024 season where they finished last with only 21 points. Arena, who took charge of the team last September, cautioned fans about patience, stating, "It's been about four weeks now we've been together, and it's a new way of doing things. It's going to take some time, it won't all be ready for the first game." He emphasized improvement is underway but acknowledged the early part of the season would require resilience.
Real Salt Lake, fresh off a successful third-place finish and strong performance during Concacaf Champions Cup play, aims to continue their momentum against San Jose. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni expressed optimism: "Hopefully, we can sharpen up our passing, our decision-making, and put together a complete game where we score a goal but defend like we did in our last match." Last season's standout Cristian Arango from the Earthquakes, who set club records with 29 goal contributions, is eager to make his mark once again.
The Columbus Crew, meanwhile, kicked off their season with flair, defeating Chicago Fire 4-2. Diego Rossi scored two goals, ensuring his status as one of the league's fastest players to reach 100 goal contributions, achieving this milestone within 149 career regular season appearances. Rossi attributed part of their success to effective teamwork and preparations. Chicago’s Brian Gutiérrez also shone, netting twice, demonstrating the fierce competition and talent on display this season.
Sparking discussions this offseason have been significant moves by clubs both within and outside the league. Atlanta United made headlines with their agreement to bring back Miguel Almirón from Newcastle after he excelled overseas. Other eye-catching transfers include Emmanuel Latte Lath’s record move to Atlanta for $22 million and Kévin Denkey’s $16.2 million acquisition by FC Cincinnati.
Among the new faces making their mark are Orlando City’s Marco Pasalic and Philadelphia Union’s Bruno Damiani, both signed to add depth and skill. Orlando City aims to bounce back after narrowly missing the MLS Cup final last year, adjusting to life after Facundo Torres's departure. Head coach Oscar Pareja remarked, "We are excited. The boys have been training well and they’re excited to be in front of our fans here... I think it’s time for us to compete again, and we will be ready."
Philadelphia Union enters the season with hopes for rebirth under new head coach Bradley Carnell, bringing fresh strategies to rejuvenate the squad after last year’s disappointing playoff absence. The combination of youth, particularly the 15-year-old wonder Cavan Sullivan, and experience within the squad could make them formidable early on. Carnell mentioned the team's diligence, citing their eagerness for more meetings and their curious nature about new ideas.
All eyes are now on the matchups of this opening weekend, particularly how seasoned players will rise to the occasion against fierce competitors. San Jose's battle against RSL and the clashes involving Columbus, Chicago, Orlando, and Philadelphia will serve as early indicators of potential playoff candidates and how each club has adapted through the offseason.
Today, as the teams take to the field, supporters from each city will unite, feeling the electric atmosphere as players engage passionately, representing the hopes and dreams of their communities. With the expansion of the league and the arrival of new talent, this season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, compelling fans and analysts alike to watch closely as every game unravels.