After a brief international break, MLS action returns with clubs looking to find rhythm early in the campaign. Through five matchdays, Nashville have set the pace in the East while the West remains wide open. With storylines emerging across both conferences, here’s where every team stands in The Hoosier Network’s Matchday Six MLS Top 10.
1. Nashville SC
Record: 4-1-0
Previous: 5-0 win vs Orlando | Next: April 4 at Chicago
Only four players on this team have scored a goal this season, but they combine for 13 overall, while only allowing two. In their most recent contest, they ripped apart Orlando City SC 5-0, with their golden boy Sam Surridge netting a hat trick, adding to his stellar seven-goal season. At this rate, they are on pace to be a serious favorite for the Supporter’s Shield and a team you would not want to see come playoff time.
2. LAFC
Record: 4-1-0
Previous: 0-0 draw at Austin | Next: April 4 vs Orlando
LAFC haven’t surprised anyone by being this strong at the start of the season, but their defense has been one of the biggest reasons why. After five games, they still haven’t allowed a goal in MLS play. They’re one of the clear favorites in the West so far and a team no one will want to face in the playoffs.
3. Inter Miami CF
Record: 3-1-1
Previous: 3-2 win vs New York City | Next: April 4 vs Austin
The defending champs showed star quality in their most recent bounce-back victory illustrating that they can turn it on when it matters most. Lionel Messi has that team rolling right along and there are other bodies stepping up front. They're the East's biggest threat if they tighten defensively.
4. San Jose Earthquakes
Record: 4-1-0
Previous: 1-0 win at Vancouver | Next: April 4 vs San Diego
San Jose are showing they can win games that require discipline. The 1-0 road victory over Vancouver demonstrated their ability to slow down and manage games against top-tier talent. A 4-1-0 record is no fluke — they're playing consistent soccer and proving they can grind results away from home. Currently, they're one of the West's best complete teams.
5. Vancouver Whitecaps
Record: 4-0-1
Previous: 1-0 loss vs San Jose | Next: April 4 vs Portland
Loss aside, Vancouver have still been one of the most complete teams in MLS through five matchdays. They’ve shown an ability to play on both ends of the field how they want to. And one loss by a goal doesn’t erase all that they’ve done. This squad still has the structure and quality to be near the top of the West.
6. San Diego FC
Record: 3-2-0
Previous: 2-2 draw vs Real Salt Lake | Next: April 4 at San Jose
San Diego still boasts an attack-minded mentality, but have struggled since their dominant start, drawing games they should win. They've shown they can match up against the top teams in the league, but inconsistent defending is keeping San Diego from elevating their game.
7. New York City FC
Record: 3-1-1
Previous: 3-2 loss vs Miami | Next: April 4 vs St Louis
NYCFC demonstrated attacking prowess in their loss against Miami but giving up three goals illustrates lingering defensive inconsistencies. This side has the talent to compete with the best of the East, however, they're yet to find consistency on both ends of the pitch.
8. Seattle Sounders
Record: 3-1-1
Previous: 0-0 draw at Minnesota | Next: April 4 at Houston
Seattle’s scoreless draw reflects a team that is structurally sound but still lacking attacking sharpness. They've been tough to crack which allows them to stay in games. Once their attack finds a rhythm, this could be a team that surprises with how high they climb.
9. Charlotte FC
Record: 2-2-1
Previous: 6-1 win vs Red Bull New York | Next: April 4 vs Philadelphia
Charlotte delivered their most explosive performance in franchise history with their 6-1 demolition of Red Bull New York. Showing that kind of offensive firepower speaks to a potential ceiling few teams can reach. Now they just have to prove it wasn't a fluke.
10. Real Salt Lake
Record: 3-1-1
Previous: 2-2 draw at San Diego| Next: April 4 vs Kansas City
Real Salt Lake continue to pick up results, with their draw against San Diego showing both resilience and attacking capability. They've been consistent enough to stay inside the top 10, even if they haven't quite climbed away from the pack. At the moment, they look like a well-rounded squad still lacking a signature performance.
MATCHDAY SIX SCHEDULE
*ALL matches streamed on Apple TV
Saturday April 4
Colorado Rapids @ Toronto FC 1 p.m. EST
Sporting Kansas City @ Real Salt Lake 4:30 p.m. EST
CF Montréal @ New England Revolution 4:30 p.m. EST
FC Cincinnati @ Red Bull New York 7:30 p.m. EST
Columbus Crew @ Atlanta United 7:30 p.m. EST
FC Dallas @ D.C. United 7:30 p.m. EST
St Louis SC @ New York City FC 7:30 p.m. EST
Austin FC @ Inter Miami CF 7:30 p.m. EST
Philadelphia Union @ Charlotte FC 7:30 p.m. EST
Nashville SC @ Chicago Fire 8:30 p.m. EST
Seattle Sounders @ Houston Dynamo 8:30 p.m. EST
Orlando City SC @ LAFC 9:30 p.m. EST
Portland Timbers @ Vancouver Whitecaps 10:30 p.m. EST
San Diego FC @ San Jose Earthquakes 10:30 p.m. EST
Minnesota United @ LA Galaxy 10:30 p.m. EST
