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
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If you were hoping to see another team on top of these rankings because the ‘Caps have dropped three of their last five games in all competitions, you’ll have to keep hoping.
That first loss came in the Concacaf Champions Cup final. The other two came with the team missing a slew of starters to international duty. Like it or not, we’re just not getting to see what the real Vancouver Whitecaps look like these days — and we won’t for as long as the USMNT’s run at the Gold Cup continues.
Still, the Whitecaps were worthy winners in a 1-0 victory on the road at LAFC on Sunday night. They did just enough with the ball in the first 20 minutes to carve through their host’s defensive shape and find the go-ahead goal, surviving their injury and international absences and Andres Cubas’ early exit after suffering an ankle injury.
This is just gorgeous soccer. Using those square balls to drag LAFC just a little bit out of shape and find space between the lines... textbook stuff. pic.twitter.com/y97KImw5lV
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) June 30, 2025
No team in MLS has done a better job of dealing with adversity than Vancouver. Plus, they’re inking Pedro Vite to a new deal. Life is good for the ‘Caps. - Joe Lowery
