MLS has expanded the league several times over the past few years, with the most recent addition being San Diego FC. It’s not uncommon to see new teams near the top of the standings, as they have new investments in building a successful team. While this sort of success isn’t new, San Diego is officially being considered one of the best examples. By the end of the season, it could even be named the best in history.
It’s not uncommon for new MLS expansion teams to do well during their inaugural season. Owners typically invest heavily in the first year, aiming to establish the team on a firm footing. The team will normally also see an increase in fans as they enter the market, especially in a state like California, where soccer continues to gain popularity.
All of this enables owners and managers to build a squad more strategically. That includes finding the best players from other teams to add to their roster. The Expansion Draft allows teams to acquire players who have already proven their worth in the league. It can also help pull international interests. San Diego got their best goal scorer, Anders Dreyer, that way. New teams have become near-guarantees of a return on investment.
MLS isn’t new to having successful expansion teams, even if San Diego is looking to make history. The first team to make history as one of the best expansions is the Chicago Fire, when they joined the league in 1998. Not only did the Fire win its debut season, but it also secured a double by winning the U.S. Open Cup. St. Louis City SC also made history in the Western Conference, getting a historic start to their expansion year in 2023 by winning their first five matches. They also finished first in the West in their debut season.
San Diego might be the top of their Conference, and they might have a high goal differential, but the way the team plays is what’s really turning heads. Their possession-based play style is helping to show off their dominance and has pushed them to become the first team in the league to secure a playoff spot. It’s essentially thanks to coaching and a well-set-up midfield, with the help of Dreyer, that’s keeping that success alive. If they continue playing the way they are now, they’ll end the season with a record number of points and the first expansion team to win the Supporters’ Shield in their inaugural year.
San Diego doesn’t need help looking good, but other teams in the West still seem to be doing that for them. In general, the Western Conference is behind the Eastern Conference in terms of points, wins, and goal differentials. It’s a changing pattern, as the West has typically had the stronger teams over the past several years. It’s especially strange because the LA Galaxy, the current MLS Cup defender, is sitting last in the Conference. The team is currently sitting with just four wins and 19 points.
The 2025 season isn’t over, but it seems that San Diego has won in every way that counts. They’re on track to make history in more ways than one, and could even make their way to becoming an MLS Cup Championship team. While this is exciting for San Diego fans, no one can count out the other teams doing well. The Eastern Conference is heating up, with Charlotte FC recording seven straight wins. The Philadelphia Union is also taking its top spot seriously and is on track to be the number one in the East. We’ll have to wait and see if San Diego can withstand the pressure.
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