MLS Teams for 2025

Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown into one of the most exciting professional soccer leagues in the world, attracting both passionate fans and dedicated sports bettors. With a competitive mix of established franchises and new expansion teams, MLS offers a unique betting experience compared to European leagues. The unpredictable nature of the league, combined with high-scoring matches and emerging talent, makes it a prime choice for gamblers looking for value in the betting markets.

Whether you’re wagering on the MLS Cup winner, match outcomes, goal totals, or player props, understanding the teams and their performances is key to making informed bets. Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of all MLS teams, organized by conference, so you can easily find the clubs you want to bet on this season.

List of MLS Teams

Major League Soccer (MLS) consists of 29 teams divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Unlike some other leagues, MLS does not use a traditional division-based format, but teams within each conference compete for playoff spots and ultimately a chance to win the MLS Cup.

Each team brings its own strengths, playing styles, and key players to watch. Whether you’re betting on a dominant powerhouse like LAFC, an up-and-coming contender such as Inter Miami, or a team with a strong home-field advantage like Seattle Sounders FC, having a solid understanding of each club’s performance trends can help you make smarter betting decisions.

Below is a breakdown of all MLS teams by conference:

Eastern Conference Teams

• Atlanta United FC
• Charlotte FC
• Chicago Fire FC
• Columbus Crew
• D.C. United
• FC Cincinnati
• Inter Miami CF
• Nashville SC
• New England Revolution
• New York City FC
• New York Red Bulls
• Orlando City SC
• Philadelphia Union
• Toronto FC

Western Conference Teams

• Austin FC
• Colorado Rapids
• FC Dallas
• Houston Dynamo FC
• LA Galaxy
• Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
• Minnesota United FC
• Portland Timbers
• Real Salt Lake
• San Jose Earthquakes
• Seattle Sounders FC
• Sporting Kansas City
• St. Louis CITY SC
• Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Best MLS Team Records

Over the years, several MLS teams have established themselves as dominant forces, setting records and winning multiple championships. Here are some of the most successful teams in MLS history:

• LA Galaxy
  • Most MLS Cups won (5): 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014
  • One of the league’s most iconic franchises, featuring legends like Landon Donovan, David Beckham, and Robbie Keane.
  • Consistently a top contender in the league with a strong fan base.

• D.C. United
  • Four-time MLS Cup champions: 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004
  • One of the league’s original powerhouses, dominating the early years of MLS.
  • Known for producing top American talents and having a strong defensive legacy.

• Columbus Crew
  • Multiple-time MLS Cup winners: 2008, 2020, 2023
  • One of the most consistent teams in recent history, with a balanced attack and solid defense.
  • Famous for their passionate fan base and home-field advantage at Lower.com Field.

• Seattle Sounders FC
  • Two-time MLS Cup winners: 2016, 2019
  • Known for their deep playoff runs and competitive consistency.
  • One of the best-supported clubs in the league, regularly leading MLS in attendance.

• Toronto FC
  • First Canadian team to win MLS Cup in 2017.
  • Broke records with a 69-point season in 2017, led by stars Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore.
  • Consistently a force in both MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

• New England Revolution
  • Holds the record for the most points in a single season (73 in 2021).
  • Long-time contenders but only won their first MLS Cup in 2021 after multiple finals losses.
  • Known for developing homegrown talent and having a strong tactical approach.

Each of these teams has left a significant mark on MLS history, with championship success, record-setting seasons, and legendary players. Whether you’re looking at historic dominance or modern-day success, these teams are among the best in MLS history.

Best MLS Teams of All Time

While many teams have had dominant seasons, a few stand out as the greatest in MLS history. These teams not only won trophies but also set records, dominated opponents, and left a lasting impact on the league. Here are the top three MLS teams of all time:

Toronto FC (2017)

• Record: 20-9-5 (69 points – MLS record at the time)
• Achievements: MLS Cup Champions, Supporters’ Shield Winners, Canadian Championship Winners (Domestic Treble)

Why They Were the Best

• Toronto FC became the first team in MLS history to win the domestic treble, capturing the MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield (best regular-season record), and the Canadian Championship.
• Led by Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore, they had a near-flawless season, scoring 74 goals in the regular season.
• They dominated the playoffs, defeating the Seattle Sounders in the final to avenge their 2016 loss.

LA Galaxy (2011)

• Record: 19-10-5 (67 points – best in MLS)
• Achievements: MLS Cup Champions, Supporters’ Shield Winners

Why They Were the Best

• The 2011 Galaxy was one of the most well-balanced squads in MLS history, featuring David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Robbie Keane.
• They had the best defense in the league, allowing only 28 goals in 34 games.
• Their playoff run was dominant, culminating in a 1-0 MLS Cup victory over the Houston Dynamo, with Donovan scoring the game-winner.
• This season solidified LA Galaxy as the dynasty of the league’s first two decades.

Columbus Crew (2020)

• Record: 12-6-5 (COVID-shortened season)
• Achievements: MLS Cup Champions

Why They Were the Best

• The 2020 Crew didn’t just win the MLS Cup—they dominated the playoffs, conceding only one goal in four matches.
• Led by Lucas Zelarayán, who scored two goals in the final, they dismantled the Seattle Sounders 3-0 in the championship game.
• They were an elite defensive team, allowing the second-fewest goals in the league, and had an unbeaten home record at Lower.com Field.
• Despite the challenges of the pandemic-shortened season, their postseason performance was one of the most dominant in league history.

Worst MLS Teams of All Time

While MLS has seen dominant teams rise to the top, there have also been some truly disastrous seasons. Whether it was due to poor roster construction, awful defense, or an inability to score, these teams left a lasting mark for all the wrong reasons. Here are the three worst MLS teams of all time:

D.C. United (2013)

• Record: 3-7-24 (16 points – worst in MLS history at the time)
• Achievements: U.S. Open Cup Champions (somehow)

Why They Were So Bad

• This team scored only 22 goals in 34 games, an all-time low at the time.
• Their defense wasn’t much better, conceding 59 goals.
• They finished the season with only three wins, making it the worst points total in a full MLS season.
• The only silver lining? They somehow won the U.S. Open Cup, despite being historically bad in MLS play.

Chivas USA (2005)

• Record: 4-6-22 (18 points)
• Achievements: None (except being one of the biggest flops in league history)

Why They Were So Bad

• This was Chivas USA’s inaugural season, and it was a disaster from the start.
• They won only four games all year and conceded a league-worst 67 goals.
• Poor roster decisions and mismanagement led to a team that simply couldn’t compete.
• The franchise would eventually fold in 2014, cementing their place in MLS history as one of the worst expansion teams ever.

FC Cincinnati (2019)

• Record: 6-6-22 (24 points)
• Achievements: None

Why They Were So Bad

• FC Cincinnati’s first season in MLS was an embarrassment, setting the record for most goals conceded in a single season (75).
• Their defense was non-existent, and they lost 22 of their 34 games.
• Despite hopes of being a competitive expansion team, they were instead outclassed all season long.
• They had multiple losing streaks of five or more games, showing little ability to bounce back.

Making Money Betting on MLS Teams

Betting on Major League Soccer (MLS) can be a profitable venture if you approach it with the right strategy. While the league is often unpredictable compared to European competitions, that unpredictability presents great opportunities for savvy bettors who know how to find value.

Unlike leagues with dominant powerhouses, MLS is structured with parity in mind—meaning any team can win on any given matchday. This makes it essential to dig deeper than just team names and recent results when placing bets. 

Here are some key strategies to maximize your profits when betting on MLS.

Use Advanced Statistics to Spot Value

• Instead of relying only on win/loss records, dig into Expected Goals (xG), Expected Goals Against (xGA), and shot conversion rates.

• A team that’s creating a lot of chances but not finishing may be undervalued and due for a positive regression.

• Similarly, a team that’s winning with low shot totals and high conversion rates may be overperforming and primed for a letdown.

Evaluate Matchups & Playing Styles

• Some teams thrive against specific styles. A high-pressing team may struggle against an opponent that excels at counterattacks.

• Look at home and away splits—MLS has one of the strongest home-field advantages in global soccer due to travel distances and varying climates.

• Recent form matters, but always check who the competition was. A team on a winning streak against bottom-table opponents may not be as strong as it seems.

Pay Attention to Lineups & Travel Fatigue

• MLS teams rotate lineups heavily, especially during congested schedules (midweek games, U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup).

• Star players missing a match (due to injury, rest, or international duty) can drastically change a team’s quality.

• Cross-country travel is brutal in MLS—West Coast teams struggle on the East Coast and vice versa, so consider travel fatigue before betting.

Look Beyond the Moneyline – Consider Props & Totals

• MLS matches tend to have more goals than many European leagues, making over/under betting a profitable option.

• Player props (such as anytime goal scorers, assists, and shots on target) often have better odds than betting on a match result.

• Betting both teams to score (BTTS) is often a good play in MLS, especially for teams with weak defenses.

Use a Professional Handicapper for Expert Picks

• Finding value on your own takes time and research, but professional handicappers specialize in analyzing MLS trends, stats, and betting markets.

• A good handicapper provides well-researched picks, helping you avoid common mistakes and maximize your profits.

• If you’re serious about making money betting on MLS, following expert advice can give you an edge over the sportsbooks.

Let’s Get You Some Picks…

Betting on MLS can be both exciting and profitable—if you know what to look for. With the league’s unique structure, home-field advantages, and unpredictable nature, finding value requires more than just checking recent results. By analyzing advanced statistics, evaluating matchups, monitoring lineup changes, and exploring alternative betting markets, you can gain a serious edge over the sportsbooks.

Of course, doing all this research yourself takes time. That’s where the team at ScoresandStats.com comes in. Our experts use data-driven analysis and advanced analytics to uncover the best MLS betting opportunities. Whether you’re looking for match picks, player props, or futures bets, our in-depth insights help you make smarter, more profitable wagers.

Don’t leave your bets to guesswork—sign up at ScoresandStats.com today and start winning with expert-backed MLS betting recommendations!