2025 MLS Eastern Conference previews, Part 2: A Red Bulls redux?
In this installment of our season previews, we take it from Nashville to Toronto to round out the East.
For 15 straight years now, the New York Red Bulls have reached the postseason, which is an unparalleled current streak in American pro sports. Last year, they got to the No. 7 seed, and from that not-so-lofty perch, made it all the way to MLS Cup before losing to the Galaxy.
And yet, they did some roster retooling heading into 2025, including rolling the dice on a 35-year-old striker who has never played in MLS.
It really is a league in which every year is different and predictions are challenging.
Let's look at the rest of the East today. (Part 1 went up on Wednesday.)
Nashville SC
How did their 2024 go?
13th in the East, bounced from the group stage in Leagues Cup, beaten by Miami in the Round of 16 in Concacaf Champions Cup. More concerningly, Hany Mukhtar got “only” eight goals and 10 assists just two years removed from his MVP-winning 2022 season, a dropoff from a talismanic player that you might find familiar.
Players In
Edvard Tagseth (M), Nov. 19, transfer from Rosenborg BK
Josh Bauer (D), Dec. 10, re-signed
Gastón Brugman (M), Dec. 19, trade from LA Galaxy
Bryan Acosta (M), Jan. 8, transfer from Real CD España
Xavier Valdez (GK), Jan. 10, waivers
Jeisson Palacios (D), Jan. 13, transfer from CD América
Chris Applewhite (D), Jan. 15, homegrown
Andy Najar (D), Jan. 16, transfer from CD Olimpia
Brian Schwake (GK), Jan. 23, transfer from CD Castellón
Maximus Ekk (F), Jan. 30, MLS NEXT Pro
Matthew Corcoran (M), Feb. 11, transfer from Birmingham Legion FC
Players Out
Forster Ajago (F), Oct. 28, option declined
Tah Brian Anunga (M), Oct. 28, option declined
Aníbal Godoy (M), Oct. 28, option declined
Brent Kallman (D), Oct. 28, out of contract
Ben Martino (GK), Oct. 28, option declined
Amar Sejdić (M), Oct. 28, option declined
Joey Skinner (D), Oct. 28, option declined
Dru Yearwood (M), Oct. 28, out of contract
Lukas MacNaughton (D), Dec. 18, trade to D.C. United
Sean Davis (M), Dec. 19, trade to LA Galaxy
Shaq Moore (D), Dec. 27, trade to FC Dallas
Randall Leal (M), Jan. 8, waived
Elliot Panicco (GK), Jan. 8, waived
Woobens Pacius (F), Jan. 27, loan to Tampa Bay Rowdies
Key player
While Mukhtar and Surridge are the most crucial to what Nashville does (with a combined 20 goals and 12 assists between them in 2024), new-to-Nashville midfielder Gastón Brugman, who was vital in the Galaxy’s MLS Cup win before becoming part of its roster compliance fire sale, could be the player to help reset the Yotes.
Fashion report
It’s Nashville’s colorway in the Adidas template. That’s really all it is.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
41.5, with two picking the under. They might not still have what it takes to make the playoffs, but they’re going to be better than that.
New England Revolution
How did their 2024 go?
It was dismal! In fact, it’s a wonder that Caleb Porter kept his job. In Chase Hoffman’s hilarious Star Trek-adjacent ASA preview (it’s the one just past my SKC preview), he points out that the Revs have the lowest returning player minute percentage of any MLS team since 2019, with just 37.2% of player minutes in 2024 belonging to players returning to the Boston ‘burbs for 2025.
Players In
Andrew Farrell (D), Nov. 25, re-signed
Will Sands (D), Nov. 25, re-signed
Mamadou Fofana (D), Dec. 3, transfer from Amiens SC
Brayan Ceballos (D), Dec. 13, transfer from Fortaleza
Jackson Yueill (M), Dec. 18, free agent
Leonardo Campana (F), Dec. 19, trade from Inter Miami CF
Alex Bono (GK), Dec. 20, free agent
Tanner Beason (D), Dec. 20, free agent
Luis Díaz (F), Jan. 2, free
Donovan Parisian (GK), Jan. 3, SuperDraft
Noel Buck (M), Jan. 6, loan recall from Southampton FC
Allan Oyirwoth (M), Jan. 8, free
Ignatius Ganago (F), Jan. 10, loan from FC Nantes
Wyatt Omsberg (D), Jan. 14, free agent
Maximiliano Urruti (F), Jan. 16, free
Damario McIntosh (D), Jan. 22, homegrown
Ilay Feingold (D), Jan. 28, transfer from Maccabi Haifa
Players Out
Xavier Arreaga (D), Nov. 25, option declined
Joshua Bolma (F), Nov. 25, option declined
Dylan Borrero (F), Nov. 25, option declined
Nacho Gil (M), Nov. 25, option declined
Nick Lima (D), Nov. 25, out of contract
Tommy McNamara (M), Nov. 25, option declined
Jonathan Mensah (D), Nov. 25, option declined
Tim Parker (D), Nov. 25, out of contract
Damian Rivera (F), Nov. 25, out of contract
Ryan Spaulding (D), Nov. 25, out of contract
Bobby Wood (F), Nov. 25, out of contract
Ian Harkes (M), Dec. 9, trade to San Jose Earthquakes
Mark-Anthony Kaye (M), Dec. 9, trade to San Jose Earthquakes
Dave Romney (D), Dec. 9, trade to San Jose Earthquakes
Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Dec. 30, trade to San Jose Earthquakes
Esmir Bajraktarević (F), Jan. 2, transfer to PSV Eindhoven
Emmanuel Boateng (F), Jan. 6, trade to San Diego FC
Giacomo Vrioni (F), Jan. 7, trade to CF Montréal
Santiago Suarez (D), Jan. 16, loan to Birmingham Legion FC
Key players
Obviously, if you’re dropping the amount of GAM that the Revs did on Leo Campana, you believe. (And given the track record of No. 9s the Revs have had in the last few years, they need a 9 to believe in.) Also, Noel Buck is back from a loan to Southampton; he probably should have never left. He’ll help a team that is in desperate need of a reset.
Fashion report
The Eastern White Pine Kit pays homage to a tree common to New England that’s been a longstanding symbol of the region, including on the Flag of New England dating back 250 years to the Revolutionary War.
It does not pay homage to the Portland Timbers, though it really does look that way.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
41.5, with two panelists picking the over. They’ve done enough of an overhaul to at least get to 42 points.
New York City FC
How did their 2024 go?
Head coach Nick Cushing started the year on the hot seat, especially when the Pigeons stumbled out of the gate 1-4-2. But then they started winning, finished the regular season 6th in the East, upset FC Cincinnati in the first round, and then lost in the conference semis to eventual East winners and bitter rivals the Red Bulls. They also got the quarterfinals of Leagues Cup before being knocked out by the Crew in PKs. In short, a better season than they might have expected. They fired Nick Cushing after all that anyway.
Players In
Jacob Arroyave (M), Jan. 10, homegrown
Prince Amponsah (D), Jan. 10, homegrown
Maxi Moralez (M), Jan. 13, re-signed
Greg Ranjitsingh (GK), Jan. 14, free agent
Players Out
Rio Hope-Gund (D), Dec. 5, option declined
Luis Barraza (GK), Dec. 9, trade to D.C. United
Thiago Andrade (F), Dec. 11, Expansion Draft
Nicolás Acevedo (M), Dec. 16, transfer to Bahia
James Sands (M), Jan. 1, loan to FC St. Pauli
Christian McFarlane (D), Jan. 27, transfer to Manchester City
Jovan Mijatović (F), Jan. 31, loan to Oud-Heverlee Leuven
Key player
This is about to be a key player out, with Santi Rodriguez set to move to Botafogo. Alonso Martínez was one of 2024’s best breakout players, and it’s possible he’ll repeat his eye-popping goal totals in 2025, though it’s now less clear who will be the prime catalyst.
Also, they have a new head coach: Pascal Jansen, who has been at a few European destinations, most recently Ferencvárosi TC, where Myrto Uzuni once played (though they did not cross paths).
Fashion report
The Excelsior Kit is billed as “drawing inspiration from the city's iconic skyscrapers.” It’s the Manchester City blue you’ve come to expect, through a prism. It’s not quite in the upper tier of league offerings this year, but it works.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
49.5. Two picked the under, and I’m inclined to do the same, assuming that Santi’s out and it takes until summer to find a suitable replacement.
New York Red Bulls
How did their 2024 go?
Better than expected! They got into the playoffs for the 15th straight year – they’ve only missed four of their 29 years in MLS, which is remarkable – and got all the way to MLS Cup, only to have key defender Andrés Reyes come up with an injury in warmups. They did well to get it to 2-1 after going down 2-0 in the first 13 minutes.
Players In
Omar Valencia (D), Dec. 9, MLS Next Pro
Adri Mehmeti (M), Dec. 10, homegrown
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (F), Dec. 18, free
Alexander Hack (D), Dec. 20, free
Wiktor Bogacz (F), Jan. 7, transfer from Miedz Legnica
Raheem Edwards (D), Jan. 30, free agent
Tim Parker (D), Feb. 6, free agent
Marcelo Morales (D), Feb. 6, transfer from Universidad de Chile
Players Out
Cory Burke (F), Dec. 9, option declined
Aidan O’Connor (D), Dec. 9, option declined
Andrés Reyes (D), Dec. 12, trade to San Diego FC
Elias Manoel (F), Dec. 20, trade to Real Salt Lake
John Tolkin (D), Jan. 16, transfer to Holstein Kiel
Ryan Meara (GK), Jan. 22, retired
Dante Vanzeir (F), Jan. 24, transfer to KAA Gent
Key player
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting might not be “durable” or “young,” but the 35-year-old striker is just two years removed from a 10-goal season (in just 19 matches) with Bayern Freakin’ Munich. He’s being added to a team that got to MLS Cup and maybe appears to be in win-now mode.
Fashion report
It’s called the Stone Kit.
Ehhhh … no.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
52.5. All three picked the over … I think they’ll just be over, and without committing to ranking them, I’d say fourth or fifth in the East.
Orlando City SC
How did their 2024 go?
It was averagely good. They got to the conference final, where they lost to the Red Bulls 1-0. They lost in PKs to Cruz Azul in the Round of 32. They got to the Round of 16 in CCC, getting a 0-0 draw at home and then losing 4-2 to Tigres in Monterrey.
Players In
Kyle Smith (D), Dec. 13, re-signed
Colin Guske (M), Dec. 16, MLS Next Pro
Nicolás Rodríguez (M), Jan. 17, transfer from Fortaleza CEIF
Carlos Mercado (GK), Jan. 30, re-signed
Marco Pašalić (F), Feb. 5, transfer from HNK Rijeka
Eduard Atuesta (M), Feb. 10, transfer from Palmeiras
Facundo Torres (F), Dec. 20, transfer to Palmeiras
Mason Stajduhar (GK), Jan. 15, trade to Real Salt Lake
Jack Lynn (F), Jan. 18, retired
Michael Halliday (D), Feb. 18, trade to Houston Dynamo FC
Nicolás Lodeiro (M), Feb. 18, mutual contract termination (then to Houston on a free)
Key player
Orlando sent Facundo Torres to Palmeiras and picked up Marco Pašalić to take on goal scoring responsibilities, which is a risk. Eduard Atuesta should strengthen the midfield overall, coming over from Palmeiras.
Fashion report
The Perfect Storm is very purple, and very psychedelic, and maybe is what Seattle’s Jimi Hendrix-inspired Purple Reign kit really should have been. It’s a solid, outside-the-box design, though will fans really want to wear this for two years?
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
51.5, with all three panelists taking the under. I’ll be contrarian here and say just over.
Philadelphia Union
How did their 2024 go?
It wasn’t great! They missed the playoffs for the first season since 2017, though they did make it to the semifinal of the Leagues Cup before bowing out to the Crew, and significantly parted ways with longtime head coach Jim Curtin. They have opted to hire Bradley Carnell, which was a choice.
Players In
Alejandro Bedoya (M), Dec. 16, re-signed
Ian Glavinovich (D), Dec. 20, loan from Newell’s Old Boys
Neil Pierre (D), Feb. 4, homegrown
Jovan Lukic (M), Feb. 5, transfer from FK Spartak Subotica
Frankie Westfield (D), Feb. 6, homegrown
Eddy Davis III (F), Feb. 11, homegrown
Bruno Damiani (F), Feb. 18, transfer from Nacional
Players Out
Sam Adeniran (F), Nov. 26, out of contract
Jamir Berdecio (D), Nov. 26, option declined
Brandan Craig (D), Nov. 26, option declined
Jack Elliott (D), Nov. 26, option declined
Leon Flach (M), Nov. 26, out of contract
Matthew Real (D), Nov. 26, option declined
Joaquín Torres (M), Nov. 26, option declined
Jack McGlynn (M), Feb. 3, trade to Houston Dynamo FC
Key player
Jack McGlynn was traded to Houston in the league’s second-ever cash deal — a huge loss for them, though it brought a lot of cash for them — and Jack Elliott moved to Chicago. They have kept a good deal of their (aging) core, and added new striker Bruno Damiani to the mix, but McGlynn had an outsized role in the team’s creation and is poised for a breakout season.
The Voltage Kit once again takes light blue and yellow to contrast with its dark primary kits. I loved last year’s design, and liked the Simpsons clouds whimsy of the ‘23 kit, but this just doesn’t hit for me (though I get why they’re going with the lightning theme, Ben Franklin and all).
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
41.5. Two picked the over; I’m feeling the under here.
Toronto FC
How did their 2024 go?
The regular season was a disaster. They did make it to the Canadian Championship final, losing to Vancouver, and then was bounced in the Leagues Cup Round of 32 by Miami. Not a banner year for John Herdman on the whole.
Players In
Thiago Andrade (F), Dec. 11, trade from San Diego FC
Theo Corbeanu (F), Jan. 14, loan from Granada CF
Adisa De Rosario (GK), Feb. 7, homegrown
Ola Brynhildsen (F), Feb 15, loan from FC Midtjylland
Players Out
Aimé Mabika (D), Oct. 28, option declined
Shane O'Neill (D), Oct. 28, option declined
Greg Ranjitsingh (GK), Oct. 28, option declined
Brandon Servania (M), Oct. 28, option declined
Prince Owusu (F), Nov. 27, option declined
Luke Singh (D), Nov. 27, option declined
Thiago Andrade (F), Jan. 13, transfer to Cerezo Osaka
Key player
Federico Bernardeschi remains the team’s best player, but he’s also arguably the most mercurial player in the league, and even if it’s not in the works, there’s an air of Moving to Saudi Pro League in the Summer about him. He’s just got that vibe.
Fashion report
The Club Kit is nice. Toronto is decidedly a red team. This uses good gradients of red. This could be the high point of their season.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
33.5, with all panelists saying they’re going to be even worse than this. I completely agree. This might be the Wooden Spoon destination given the Quakes’ upgrades.
Coming soon: The West!
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
For 15 straight years now, the New York Red Bulls have reached the postseason, which is an unparalleled current streak in American pro sports. Last year, they got to the No. 7 seed, and from that not-so-lofty perch, made it all the way to MLS Cup before losing to the Galaxy.
And yet, they did some roster retooling heading into 2025, including rolling the dice on a 35-year-old striker who has never played in MLS.
It really is a league in which every year is different and predictions are challenging.
Let's look at the rest of the East today. (Part 1 went up on Wednesday.)
Nashville SC
How did their 2024 go?
13th in the East, bounced from the group stage in Leagues Cup, beaten by Miami in the Round of 16 in Concacaf Champions Cup. More concerningly, Hany Mukhtar got “only” eight goals and 10 assists just two years removed from his MVP-winning 2022 season, a dropoff from a talismanic player that you might find familiar.
Players In
Players Out
Key player
While Mukhtar and Surridge are the most crucial to what Nashville does (with a combined 20 goals and 12 assists between them in 2024), new-to-Nashville midfielder Gastón Brugman, who was vital in the Galaxy’s MLS Cup win before becoming part of its roster compliance fire sale, could be the player to help reset the Yotes.
Fashion report
It’s Nashville’s colorway in the Adidas template. That’s really all it is.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
41.5, with two picking the under. They might not still have what it takes to make the playoffs, but they’re going to be better than that.
New England Revolution
How did their 2024 go?
It was dismal! In fact, it’s a wonder that Caleb Porter kept his job. In Chase Hoffman’s hilarious Star Trek-adjacent ASA preview (it’s the one just past my SKC preview), he points out that the Revs have the lowest returning player minute percentage of any MLS team since 2019, with just 37.2% of player minutes in 2024 belonging to players returning to the Boston ‘burbs for 2025.
Players In
Players Out
Key players
Obviously, if you’re dropping the amount of GAM that the Revs did on Leo Campana, you believe. (And given the track record of No. 9s the Revs have had in the last few years, they need a 9 to believe in.) Also, Noel Buck is back from a loan to Southampton; he probably should have never left. He’ll help a team that is in desperate need of a reset.
Fashion report
The Eastern White Pine Kit pays homage to a tree common to New England that’s been a longstanding symbol of the region, including on the Flag of New England dating back 250 years to the Revolutionary War.
It does not pay homage to the Portland Timbers, though it really does look that way.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
41.5, with two panelists picking the over. They’ve done enough of an overhaul to at least get to 42 points.
New York City FC
How did their 2024 go?
Head coach Nick Cushing started the year on the hot seat, especially when the Pigeons stumbled out of the gate 1-4-2. But then they started winning, finished the regular season 6th in the East, upset FC Cincinnati in the first round, and then lost in the conference semis to eventual East winners and bitter rivals the Red Bulls. They also got the quarterfinals of Leagues Cup before being knocked out by the Crew in PKs. In short, a better season than they might have expected. They fired Nick Cushing after all that anyway.
Players In
Players Out
Key player
This is about to be a key player out, with Santi Rodriguez set to move to Botafogo. Alonso Martínez was one of 2024’s best breakout players, and it’s possible he’ll repeat his eye-popping goal totals in 2025, though it’s now less clear who will be the prime catalyst.
Also, they have a new head coach: Pascal Jansen, who has been at a few European destinations, most recently Ferencvárosi TC, where Myrto Uzuni once played (though they did not cross paths).
Fashion report
The Excelsior Kit is billed as “drawing inspiration from the city's iconic skyscrapers.” It’s the Manchester City blue you’ve come to expect, through a prism. It’s not quite in the upper tier of league offerings this year, but it works.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
49.5. Two picked the under, and I’m inclined to do the same, assuming that Santi’s out and it takes until summer to find a suitable replacement.
New York Red Bulls
How did their 2024 go?
Better than expected! They got into the playoffs for the 15th straight year – they’ve only missed four of their 29 years in MLS, which is remarkable – and got all the way to MLS Cup, only to have key defender Andrés Reyes come up with an injury in warmups. They did well to get it to 2-1 after going down 2-0 in the first 13 minutes.
Players In
Players Out
Key player
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting might not be “durable” or “young,” but the 35-year-old striker is just two years removed from a 10-goal season (in just 19 matches) with Bayern Freakin’ Munich. He’s being added to a team that got to MLS Cup and maybe appears to be in win-now mode.
Fashion report
It’s called the Stone Kit.
Ehhhh … no.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
52.5. All three picked the over … I think they’ll just be over, and without committing to ranking them, I’d say fourth or fifth in the East.
Orlando City SC
How did their 2024 go?
It was averagely good. They got to the conference final, where they lost to the Red Bulls 1-0. They lost in PKs to Cruz Azul in the Round of 32. They got to the Round of 16 in CCC, getting a 0-0 draw at home and then losing 4-2 to Tigres in Monterrey.
Players In
Players Out
Key player
Orlando sent Facundo Torres to Palmeiras and picked up Marco Pašalić to take on goal scoring responsibilities, which is a risk. Eduard Atuesta should strengthen the midfield overall, coming over from Palmeiras.
Fashion report
The Perfect Storm is very purple, and very psychedelic, and maybe is what Seattle’s Jimi Hendrix-inspired Purple Reign kit really should have been. It’s a solid, outside-the-box design, though will fans really want to wear this for two years?
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
51.5, with all three panelists taking the under. I’ll be contrarian here and say just over.
Philadelphia Union
How did their 2024 go?
It wasn’t great! They missed the playoffs for the first season since 2017, though they did make it to the semifinal of the Leagues Cup before bowing out to the Crew, and significantly parted ways with longtime head coach Jim Curtin. They have opted to hire Bradley Carnell, which was a choice.
Players In
Players Out
Key player
Jack McGlynn was traded to Houston in the league’s second-ever cash deal — a huge loss for them, though it brought a lot of cash for them — and Jack Elliott moved to Chicago. They have kept a good deal of their (aging) core, and added new striker Bruno Damiani to the mix, but McGlynn had an outsized role in the team’s creation and is poised for a breakout season.
I broke it down at American Soccer Analysis. (It’s Hamlet-themed.)
Fashion report
The Voltage Kit once again takes light blue and yellow to contrast with its dark primary kits. I loved last year’s design, and liked the Simpsons clouds whimsy of the ‘23 kit, but this just doesn’t hit for me (though I get why they’re going with the lightning theme, Ben Franklin and all).
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
41.5. Two picked the over; I’m feeling the under here.
Toronto FC
How did their 2024 go?
The regular season was a disaster. They did make it to the Canadian Championship final, losing to Vancouver, and then was bounced in the Leagues Cup Round of 32 by Miami. Not a banner year for John Herdman on the whole.
Players In
Players Out
Key player
Federico Bernardeschi remains the team’s best player, but he’s also arguably the most mercurial player in the league, and even if it’s not in the works, there’s an air of Moving to Saudi Pro League in the Summer about him. He’s just got that vibe.
Fashion report
The Club Kit is nice. Toronto is decidedly a red team. This uses good gradients of red. This could be the high point of their season.
Over/Under on points total for 2025 regular season (courtesy of Soccerwise)
33.5, with all panelists saying they’re going to be even worse than this. I completely agree. This might be the Wooden Spoon destination given the Quakes’ upgrades.
Coming soon: The West!
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
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