Power Rankings never cease to spark outrage. But here at Backheeled? We’re not here to cause anger. No, we’re here to dissect the latest performances, trends, tactics, and news for each of MLS’s 30 clubs. Every week during the MLS season, Ben Wright will guide you through the Eastern Conference teams and Joe Lowery will do the same for the West.
Okay, fine. We’re also here to spark some outrage, because we’re ranking all 30 teams, too. Power Rankings are based on each club’s average position across Ben and Joe’s individual rankings. Onwards.
1. Vancouver Whitecaps
Trending: +2
We got some flack for leaving them out of the top spot last week, but after a 5-1 win over Austin FC on Saturday, there’s little doubt in my mind: the Vancouver Whitecaps are the best team in MLS.
It’s rare to see a team smash another as thoroughly as the ‘Caps smashed Austin this past weekend. It’s especially rare to see that sort of thing in MLS, a league designed to maintain close margins and parity. But through the first eight weekends of the 2025 season, the Whitecaps have sprinted their way to the top of the league, playing some wildly effective ball along the way. Through eight games, Jesper Sorensen’s team has a +1.17 xG differential.
