5 MLS clubs have started surprisingly strong. Here's which 3 will keep it up. | OneFootball

One of the most unique aspects about Major League Soccer is you just never entirely know who will be good year to year.

In 2024, Charlotte FC and Minnesota United took big, somewhat unexpected steps forward. In 2023, the biggest surprises were probably St. Louis City and the Houston Dynamo.

So far, there's a handful of teams through five weeks who have emerged as contenders to be the most surprising teams (in a good way) of the 2025 MLS season. But not all of them will have staying power.

Here's the five biggest overperformers so far, and our verdict on whether they are true contenders or just pretenders.:

Austin FC

3-0-2, 9 points - 2nd place, Western Conference

Mar 23, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Austin FC forward Brandon Vazquez celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against San DIego FC at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images | Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Status: contender ... sorta

There's a lot to like about Austin, particularly its ability to defend. And Brandon Vazquez finally got off the mark with his first goal for his new club in Sunday's 2-1 win over San Diego FC.

But Vazquez may also be the concern. When he scored 18 goals for FC Cincinnati in 2022, the hope was it was a breakout campaign for the American striker. But he has yet to find anything close to that level of form again either with Cincy or CF Monterrey, and even though he scored for Austin Sunday he also left a couple clear chances on the table that a top-tier MLS striker shouldn't.

If 2022 Vazquez returns, then Austin is a definite contender. If not, they're going to be on the fringes.

Chicago Fire FC

3-1-1, 10 points - 5th place, Eastern Conference

Vancouver Whitecaps FC v Chicago Fire FC | Rich Lam/GettyImages

Status: contender

Hugo Cuypers is a legitimate MLS Golden Boot contender. And Gregg Berhalter remains a top-tier MLS manager, even if his time with the U.S. men's national team ended poorly. And Chris Brady is emerging as one of the best young goalkeeping talents in a league that having good goalkeeping can take you a long way.