We are back! After a brief off-season filled with countless player moves, technical staff changes, and roster rule confusion, the MLS season is back on February 22nd, and we begin the 35-week journey to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

I will preview the Eastern Conference in-depth, looking at incoming transfers, coaching changes, and breakout players. I also called in the help of AI to get an understanding of the fan’s sentiment for every team.

It’s no surprise that Messi & Friends are at the top of the odds board. Despite ending the regular season at the top of the Eastern Conference, they failed to advance past Round One in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Enough with the setup, let’s get to the team previews…

Atlanta United

Fan Sentiment: Hope, Optimism, Frustration

After three straight disappointing seasons, Atlanta United and Club President Garth Lagerway made significant changes this offseason. First, Lagerway hired MLS Cup-winning manager Ronny Deila to replace 2024 interim manager Rob Valentino. With a new leader in place, the club then turned to the transfer market to bolster the squad for the 2025 season.

Atlanta’s roster is now stacked. It certainly helps that three former Designated Players (DPs) remain on the team but no longer hold DP status, allowing the club to reinvest in high-caliber talent. The team signed two new DPs—Emmanuel Latte Lath and a familiar face, Miguel Almirón, returning from Newcastle. The third DP is Russian midfielder Aleksei Miranchuk.

Oh, and they didn’t stop there. Atlanta also traded for former D.C. United DP Mateusz Klich. By my count, there are seven(!!!) players on the roster who currently have or previously held DP status: Latte Lath, Almirón, Miranchuk, Klich, Bartosz Slisz, Saba Lobzhanidze, and Stian Gregersen.

This aggressive roster revamp has led to the greatest market value increase among Eastern Conference teams since last summer.

With all these moves, there’s renewed optimism for Atlanta United supporters. On paper, this squad has the talent to compete with Inter Miami for the top spot in the East. However, Atlanta fans have seen this level of investment before—without the expected results (see the last three seasons). Last year’s struggles even led to an eerily empty Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the final home games of 2024.

This winter’s spending spree signals Atlanta’s desire to reclaim its pre-2019 dominance.

Charlotte FC

Fan Sentiment: Excitement, Anticipation, Fortress (??)

After a successful call up (ring ring) to the USMT, everyone is talking about Big Pat. Will he finally be the #9 CLTFC fans have desired?

Charlotte ended the 2024 season conceding only 37 goals on 45xG allowed. This is mostly due to Kristijan Kahlina’s shot-stopping brilliance which led to him winning Goalkeeper of The Year. In 2024, Kahlina saved almost one-third of a xG above expected per 90 minutes.

Charlotte has the depth necessary to compete throughout the lengthy MLS regular season. Then, signing Wilfred Zaha on a DP contract appears to be the stereotypical “last piece.” While I typically pause at signing at 30-plus-year-olds from Europe, I am optimistic that Zaha can add his dynamic dribbling as an asset into Charlotte’s attack.

Oh, and they dropped new fire jerseys…called the Fortress Kit.

Chicago Fire

Fan Sentiment: Frustration, Cautious Optimism

As the 2025 MLS season approaches, Chicago Fire FC is poised for a transformative year under the new leadership of head coach Gregg Berhalter. The former USMNT manager, who is renowned for his strategic acumen, aims to revitalize the team’s performance and steer them toward playoff contention.

The offseason has been marked by strategic roster enhancements, notably the acquisition of forward Jonathan Bamba from Celta de Vigo. Bamba, a dynamic attacker, is expected to bolster the Fire’s offensive capabilities. The days of Xherdan Shaqiri are over. Bamba looks to take over the Fire’s attack in combination with Hugo Cuypers and Brian Gutierrez.

Another notable signing is defender Jack Elliott. The former Philly Union center back should bring stability to the Fire’s defense as he has played 26+ 90s each of the last four years.

With a blend of seasoned leadership, strategic player acquisitions, and a renewed sense of purpose, Chicago Fire FC is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the 2025 MLS season.

Columbus Crew

Fan Sentiment: Excitement, Frustration, Relocating (???)

It appears a new chapter has begun in Columbus. The departure of key forward Cucho Hernández to Real Betis leaves a notable void in the team’s attacking lineup. Cucho led the Crew to victories in MLS Cup and Leagues Cup as well as strong showings in CONCACAF Champions Cup. In addition to Cucho, Cristian Ramirez also departed for LA Galaxy. Ultimately, the Crew have lost the 2nd most market value since last summer.

However, we have seen the Crew’s management quickly, and successfully, replace DPs before (i.e., Zelarayan in 2023), and I would expect something similar in the summer window. It also helps when you have the best coach in the league.

I believe in Wilfried Nancy which establishes a high floor for the Black and Yellow. Even in his first year at Montreal, with the turmoil of Thierry Henry leaving and a roster that lacks talent, he finished 10th. This Crew team is certainly better than that Montreal side.

Year	Team	Position (East)	Points
2021	Montreal	10th	46
2022	Montreal	2nd	65
2023	Columbus	3rd	57
2024	Columbus	2nd	66

On the field, the Crew hold another example as to why teams should care about the SuperDraft. Max Arfsten was selected in the first round of the 2023 draft and now balls out on the left wing.

The Crew may not have the big names, but the team is solid and projecting a few additions during the year should propel them into the playoffs where they will be a threat.

Oh, and I think the AI believes it is still 2018 when #SavetheCrew was going on.

DC United

Fan Sentiment: Optimism, Curiosity, Prepare

As D.C. United enters the 2025 MLS season, the team faces a period of transition marked by significant roster changes and recent underperformance. The 2024 season, under head coach Troy Lesesne, mirrored the previous year’s results. DC finished 10th in the Eastern Conference despite having a positive expected goal difference. In fact, DC have underperformed their expected goal difference since 2021. Lesesne hopes this is the year that the Black and Red are able to convert opportunities into victories.

Season	xGD	GD
2024	+1.6	-18
2023	+3.3	-4
2022	-20.7	-35
2021	+11.8	+2

The offseason saw some questionable decisions by DC’s front office. Notable departures include the transfer of promising young players – defender Matai Akinmboni to AFC Bournemouth and attacker Ted Ku-DiPiertro (R.I.P. Extratime, ikyky) to Colorado Rapids. In addition to DP, Klich to Atlanta United as discussed earlier. One would image the Klich move could improve DC’s press (2nd lowest PPDA in 2024).

Offensively, Christian Benteke secured the MLS Golden Boot in 2024. Lesesne played to his strength with direct, aerial passes. Benteke led the league in aerial duel wins in 2024.

D.C. United’s success in 2025 will hinge on integrating new signings and rectifying defensive/goalkeeping issues. The team’s ability to adapt and improve remains uncertain, but maybe this is the year they have the xG luck on their side.

FC Cincinnati

Fan Sentiment: Optimism, Concern, Uncertainty

FC Cincinnati was in the papers (or Tom Bogert’s tweets) often the last few weeks. Notably, the club traded 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Luciano Acosta to FC Dallas for up to $6 million. In response, FC Cincinnati acquired Brazilian midfielder Evander from the Portland Timbers for an MLS trade-record $12 million plus incentives, aiming to fill the creative void left by Acosta’s departure. And that is exactly how Evander profiles. Maybe Lucho provides more dynamic dribbling, but pretty much a ‘like-for-like replacement.’

Additionally, the signing of Togolese striker Kévin Denkey for over $16 million seeks to enhance the attacking frontline.

The team faces a period of significant transition marked by high-profile roster changes and strategic acquisitions. But, if Evander and Denkey click, then FCC sets its sights on the top spot in the East and MLS Cup.

Inter Miami

Fan Sentiment: Excitement, Anticipation, Enthusiasm

Inter Miami had a remarkable 2024 campaign, highlighted by setting a regular-season points record of 74 and clinching the Supporters’ Shield, has elevated aspirations. However, no team in MLS history has achieved 60+ points in consecutive seasons (source: Doyle). Can Messi & Friends be the first?

Oh, and they overperformed their xG by 30!!! goals. Somehow, they were +30GD off just +0.8xGD. Well, I guess having the GOAT makes that possible. Is it sustainable? Likely not, but Messi’s teams always overperform their xG to some extent.

Despite losing significant market value from departures many promising South Americans – Leo Campana, Diego Gómez, Facundo Farías, and Matías Rojas – Miami still rank as the highest market value in the East.

They also make a change a manager. Javier Mascherano joins his former FC Barcelona teammates to replace Tata Martino.

Miami found a stud in the 2024 SuperDraft with Yannick Bright. Busquets 2.0-type profile for the New Hampshire graduate.

I question whether the depth pieces are as talented as last year’s crop. But if healthy, Miami will be a shield contender in 2025.

CF Montreal

Fan Sentiment: Excitement, Anticipation, Optimism

Montreal was poor last year but somehow snuck into the play-in game. *I typed up a lengthy monologue about the pointlessness of play-in games but then thought better of it.* Their -15xGD was second worst in the East. (In the graphic below, red is bad. yikes.)

Montreal’s strategy is to “play the kids.” In 2024, they were the third youngest team, and their offseason transfers will only make them younger. Two elder statesmen, Victor Wanyama and Josef Martinez departed the club. They are betting on youth with their additions of Jalen Neal from MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy and Prince Owusu from rivals Toronto.

Neal is one hell of a passer, especially for a 20-year-old. To me, the back 3 of Neal, George Campbell, and Joel Waterman is impressive and gives me optimism for 2025.

However, I am less certain about the attack. It seems as though they just bought a bunch of kids and said good luck! If it hits, Montreal could start off on fire last RSL last year. But I am going to take a wait and see approach on that. Overall, I feel I am more optimistic about the L’Impact than the market.

Nashville SC

Fan Sentiment: Cautious Anticipation, Restructuring

2024 was Nashville’s worst MLS season in their short history. The poor form led to them making a coaching change with USMNT Assistant Coach, B.J. Callaghan taking the reins in July 2024.

Callaghan did see some improvement in the squad, but it was not enough to vault into the playoffs after a terrible summer.

However, Callaghan’s game model showed up in his dozen or so matches. Under Gary Smith, Nashville relied heavily on counterattacks and set pieces for goal-scoring opportunities. Callaghan allowed the team to control the game more with possession and pressing. You can see below how Smith’s teams loved to pass in their own defensive third, but Callaghan’s passes show up in the middle third of the field.

The offseason saw the departure of key midfielders, including Aníbal Godoy and Sean Davis, the latter traded to LA Galaxy. These exits may disrupt midfield cohesion and defensive stability. Additionally, while veteran goalkeeper Joe Willis remains a reliable presence, he will turn 37 in August, raising questions about long-term succession planning.

Oh, and I am worried about Hany Mukhtar’s shot selection and performances as he approaches 30 years old. Notice how the dots closer to the goalmouth get smaller and reder while the dots farther away grow in size.

New England Revolution

Fan Sentiment: Eager, Optimism, Caution

Head coach Caleb Porter had a busy offseason filled with extensive roster changes to mold the squad to fit his tactical vision. The Revolution are undergoing a substantial roster rebuild, with a returning player minute percentage of 37.2%, lowest in MLS.

The roster overhaul is certainly warranted. The Revs finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2024 with the lowest xGF (37) and highest xGA (63). Yeah, that attack was YIKES!

Well, they should have at least one clear upgrade at a very important position, striker. Leo Campana departs tropical Miami for the Boston (well, technically Foxborough) Nor’easter.

The attack also hinges on the health of diminutive designated player, Carles Gil. I think I have referenced this in each of my Revolution season previews, but what’s one more. When Gil is healthy and on the field, the Revs play almost 0.50 xG better since 2021.

Season	Net xG On-Off per 90
2024	+0.17
2023	+0.73
2022	+0.63
2021	+0.42

In 2024, the Revolution conceded 74 goals off 64xGA, marking their poorest defensive record in over 25 years. To address the defensive issues, the Revs took to the transfer market and signed CBs Mamadou Fofana and Brayan Ceballos. Will they be successful? The jury is still out.

While the New England Revolution have made decisive moves to rectify past defensive shortcomings and align the roster with the head coach’s philosophy, the success of these efforts will depend on the seamless integration of new players and the rapid development of team synergy. Analytical models may project variability in early-season performance as the team adapts to these changes.

New York City FC

Fan Sentiment: Optimism, Uncertainty, Concern

NYCFC concluded the 2024 season in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, with a regular season record of 14 wins, 12 losses, and 8 draws. The playoffs were maybe worst-case scenario, losing to cross-town rival NYRB in the conference semifinals. Which then led to the dismissal of manager Nick Cushing. Cushing’s tenure was mediocre. The Bronx Boys had a record of 31 wins, 31 losses, and 27 draws in his 3 years at the helm. While the new manager, Pascal Jansen represents a traditional City Football Group (CFG) hiring and Jansen hopes to lead this team back to the cup like in 2021.

However, Jansen begins his tenure undesirably. Star player Santi Rodriguez is looking to depart to South America and there is no replacement identified (as of now). NYCFC have not made a signing in the winter transfer window.

However, that’s because NYCFC spent $25M+ in last season’s transfer windows. Now, it is time for those young players to step up and lead NYCFC. One player that did step up last year is Alonso Martinez. The Costa Rican who transferred in from Belgium score 16 goals in 1500 minutes in 2024. Martinez will have to keep up that conversion rate in 2024 while someone other than Santi will be creating for him.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese was very successful in his first year as a full-time starter between the sticks. His PSxG of +0.17 per 90 minutes is in the top 20% of all goalkeepers worldwide.

As the roster currently stands, I am more skeptical about this year’s NYCFC squad. I think they will finish somewhere around the borderline playoff spots.

New York Red Bulls

Fan Sentiment: Hopeful, Successful, Anticipation

The Eastern Conference’s representative at the 2024 MLS Cup, the Red Bulls had a successful season under first-year manger Sandro Schwarz. Despite finishing just 7th in the East, NYRB had the second best xGD conference.

Maybe the most impactful offseason roster move for NYRB was letting go of DP striker Dante Vanzeir. The Belgian failed to live up to the hype and was constantly struggling to put away great chances.

The new Designated Player is 35-year-old Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. While certainly talented and having a great club pedigree playing at Bayern Munich, PSG, and Stoke City, I hesitate to believe Choupo-Moting will make a great impact. The club’s high energy, pressing style and the physical nature of the league don’t scream success for a 35-year-old who has played close to 20,000 professional minutes.

Enough with the old, let’s talk about RB’s youth. Their academy produces great players consistently in addition to find and develop players from North America’s lower leagues. Cameron Harper broke out last year in the right wing-back position. His ability to take on defenders 1v1 and create dangerous attacks helped NYRB create the third most xG in the East last year.

There are a few more promising prospects in RB’s development pathway: Ronald Donkor, Daniel Edelman, and Julian Hall will look to carve out solidified roles in the 2025 season.

Overall, I like what Schwarz has done with NYRB and their talent. I think they easy make the playoffs and will knock off a few of the top teams in 205.

Orlando City

Fan Sentiment: Support, Enthusiasm, Tie (??)

2024 was another reliable season from Orlando under Oscar Pareja. The Lions finished 4th in the East and made it to the conference finals. However, star player Facu Torres has left for Palmeiras. Facu departs as the team’s all-time leading scorer with 47 goals. Orlando have since made two key acquisitions in the midfield to replace Torres’s production.

Eduard Atuesta, who had a brief stint at Palmeiras in between his LAFC seasons, should bring some creativity to Orlando’s attack from center midfield. He is one of the league’s best two-way midfielders and should immediately contribute positively for Orlando. The other is Marco Pasalic who is more of a ‘dribbly type.’ In summary, two very good, very dependable incoming signings for Orlando.

Atuesta’s midfield partner, César Araujo, has yet to breakout as his ~$2M transfer price tag would assume. The young Uruguayan is certainly impacts the game physically. If 2025 is the year that Araujo breakouts, the two-man double-pivot of Araujo and Atuesta (there is definitely an A.A. nickname coming) can be the best in the league.

Oh, and they tied Inter Miami in a preseason friendly.

Philadelphia Union

Fan Sentiment: Resurgence, Cautiously Optimistic

The Union experienced a significant decline in 2024, culminating in their worst league finish in nine years. They concluded the season with fewer than 40 points, a threshold they had surpassed consistently since 2015. This downturn was marked by defensive vulnerabilities, with unexpected goalkeeping data revealing cracks in their once-solid defense. All this culminated into Jim Curtin being fired and replaced by Bradley Carnell.

Carnell led St. Louis City in their inaugural campaign before being surprisingly fired. Carnell will look to ramp up the pressing, duels, and overall ‘Energy Drink’ style soccer in Chester.

The offseason saw notable roster adjustments. While veteran midfielder Alejandro Bedoya re-signed through 2025, the club saw two Jacks – Jack Elliott and Jack McGlynn – leave for other MLS teams. These changes raise questions about the team’s depth and the readiness of emerging players to fill critical roles.

One glaring weakness in 2024 was goalkeeping. Yes, Andre Blake was good, but he is now approaching 33 and was consistently injured last year. When Blake was not between the sticks, the Union struggled to reach 1.0 point per match in those contests.

Goalkeeper	Matches	Points Per Match
A. Blake	14	1.29
O. Semmle	17	1.12
A. Rick	6	0.67

Between the boxes, I worry about the midfield without stalwart Jose Martinez. It appears Danley Jean Jacques will play the #6 role in 2025. Can Jean Jacques develop his passing and tackling to replace Martinez? With Carnell’s pressing system, I particularly worry about Jean JAcques losing more tackles which leads to opposition chances.

With so many roster changes and Carnell implementing his relentless, high-pressing system, there is a chance it falls flat on its face and Union fail to make the playoffs again in 2025.

Toronto FC

Fan Sentiment: Challenges, Eager, Renewed

Toronto FC concluded the 2024 season in 11th in the Eastern Conference with a negative 9xGD. Thereby, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. This period has been marked by underperformance and a lack of clear direction. Robin Fraser is hopeful to redirect the ship. However, the uncertainty remains as Lorenzo Insigne turned down multiple offers overseas. Toronto actively searched for a landing spot, but the Italian refused even a buyout to leave the club. Additionally, their top goalscorer last year, Prince Owusu, now plays for Canadian rivals Montreal.

One player I was correct on in my 2024 season preview was Deybi Flores. And not for anything flashy, but Flores makes tackles in the middle of the field and makes it difficult for the opposition. For Toronto, that is a positive and cannot be said about all players on the pitch.

The combination of roster and front office incompetence make Toronto the favorite to finish last in the East.

Standings Prediction

1. FC Cincinnati
2. Inter Miami
3. Atlanta United
4. Charlotte FC
5. Orlando City
6. New York Red Bulls
7. Columbus Crew
8. Chicago Fire
9. New York City FC
10. DC United
11. Philadelphia Union
12. New England Revolution
13. CF Montreal
14. Nashville SC
15. Toronto

Bets

To Win MLS Cup:

1. Charlotte: +4700

I am very close on FC Cincinnati. If we get 15-1, I would bet it. GL!

The Western Conference Team Previews and my Golden Boot selection are still to come.