GOAL grades each Eastern Conference team, just past the halfway point of the regular season

The MLS All-Star Game is next week, marking the unofficial midpoint of the 2025 campaign. Most teams have now played 23 regular-season matches (with a few exceptions), and the league’s landscape is starting to take shape. In a highly competitive Eastern Conference, there have been plenty of positive surprises – from Tai Baribo's Philadelphia Union to Hany Mukhtar's Nashville SC. Contenders like Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati have also come back stronger than before. But there have been disappointments, too, ranging from big-spenders like Atlanta United to more frugal clubs such as CF Montréal and D.C. United.

Now, with the summer transfer window opening in exactly one week, the stakes are rising. It’s the last real opportunity for clubs to bolster their rosters ahead of the final push – whether chasing regular-season silverware or scrambling for a playoff spot. So, where does each team stand heading into the window, and how have they performed so far?

GOAL grades each Eastern Conference team as the second window arrives and the final stretch of the campaign sits on the horizon.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowImagnAtlanta United: D

Current standing: 13th place

Season so far: Woof, Atlanta.

The league's highest-spending team in transfer fees in 2025, the have underwhelmed in every department this season. They hired a former MLS Cup winner in manager Ronny Deila to lead them this campaign, and nothing has gone to plan. They spent an MLS-record amount of money on striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, only for the Ivorian to sit on six goals in 21 appearances, while club legend Miguel Almiron returned as well, but has yet to find his groove, either.

Atlanta have a lot of pieces, but there's no puzzle to put them into right now. They're just pieces thrown together, with no shape or design.

As it stands, they're not going to the postseason, and that's a shocking statement considering the investment behind the team.

Major moves:

+ Brought Miguel Almiron in from Newcastle United

+ Signed Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough for an MLS-record fee

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCharlotte FC: B

Current standing: Ninth place

Season so far: Charlotte started the campaign out in blistering form, competing with the best in the East, but they've fallen off over the past two months. Injuries have plagued them at times, while international call-ups really hurt them in June, but Dean Smith is still figuring out how to get the most out of this squad.

Wilfried Zaha hasn't quite had the attacking impact many expected, while inconsistent performances in all areas of the pitch have them sitting in the area of really good to really bad at times. This team, at times, has been the best version of Charlotte since their first season in 2022. But they certainly need more consistency.

Major moves:

+ Signed Wilfried Zaha on loan from Galatasaray

+ Sold Patrick Agyemang to Derby County

Getty Images SportChicago Fire: B-

Current standing: 10th place

Season so far: The Fire were arguably MLS' most ambitious team ahead of the 2025 season. They were reportedly in talks to bring Neymar to MLS, and then explored a deal to potentially land Kevin De Bruyne this summer. Although neither worked out, they have to be commended for their efforts.

As for their performances this campaign, they have had moments of absolute brilliance this season, but there have also had periods of play where inexcusable individual errors have haunted them. It's been up and down for Gregg Berhalter's men, but the positives have outweighed the negatives in terms of big picture.

The Fire are relevant once again, and it's thrilling to see one of MLS's biggest markets back in the playoff hunt.

Major moves:

+ Brought in Jonathan Bamba as a DP winger

+ Acquired Philip Zinckernagel from Cercle Brugge

FC Cincinnati: A

Current standing: Second place

Season so far: Cincy have had a blistering start to 2025. Ahead of the season, Pat Noonan made a major gamble in trading Lucho Acosta, but bringing in Evander from the Timbers was a master stroke. It has proved to be the move needed to bring them to the tier of elite teams across MLS. FCC is one of the most cohesive squads in the league, playing a brilliant back-five system focused on counter-attacking through possession.

As things stand, FCC are contenders for the Eastern Conference title, Supporters' Shield, and MLS Cup. They're doing everything right, and their Brazilian talisman is spearheading what is looking like a special campaign.

Major moves:

+ Traded for Evander from Portland, sent Lucho Acosta to FC Dallas

+ Brought in striker Kevin Denkey from Cercle Brugge