The 2025 MLS regular season is a thing of the past. Sixteen teams are left standing in the hunt for MLS Cup, with Round 1 of the playoffs set to provide some mouthwatering matchups between the league’s elite teams.
Here at Soccer America, we’re looking at the five teams that seem most capable of lifting the trophy. This isn’t a scientific formula, but rather the author’s opinion. Let’s dive in!
5. Nashville SC
Position: 6th (Eastern Conference)
Points: 54
Goal differential: +13
Top scorers: Sam Surridge (24), Hany Mukhtar (16)
Round 1 opponent: Inter Miami
Odds to win: +2800
Why they will win: Under first-time head coach BJ Callaghan, they’ve developed a dynamic tactical identity. They’re solid defensively, mixing in a dangerous press with an ability to sit in a compact block, absorbing pressure before hitting in transition. With the ball, they have clear rotations and patterns of play, often stemming from Best XI candidate Andy Nájar at right back, who pushes forward and acts as a primary playmaker. Gastón Brugman has also turned into a key player for them, giving a different look from their typically combative midfield.
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