'Caps Candidates for the 2025 MLS Awards
Finalists for each award will be announced on Thursday, October 23.
Coach of the Year Candidate: Jesper Sørensen
Coach of the Year Candidate: Jesper Sørensen
MLS success
Heading into Decision Day:
- Sixth highest expected goal difference at +25 in MLS since xGD tracking started in 2013
- Lead MLS in goal difference at +29
- Lead the Western Conference and second overall in MLS
- Set a new club record for points at 63
- Have conceded the second fewest goals at 36 and have scored third most goals at 65
- Have two MLS unbeaten streaks of 8+ matches
- The biggest ever win over an MLS Supporters’ Shield winner (7-0)
Player development
- 33 different players have earned minutes including 26 different starters across all competitions
- Third youngest roster in MLS in average minutes
- Nine MLS debuts age 22 or younger, including seven players from MLS NEXT Pro team
- 23 different goalscorers across all competitions – 20 in MLS play, tying the single-season record
- 13 players have set career highs in goal contributions (G+A)
- Four first-time MLS All-Stars in Sebastian Berhalter, Tristan Blackmon, Yohei Takaoka, & Brian White
- Five different players making their national team debuts in Sebastian Berhalter, Tristan Blackmon, Kenji Cabrera, Rayan Elloumi, & Tate Johnson
Balancing league and cup play
In his first season in MLS, the Danish tactician has adapted quickly, and has led the ‘Caps to two cup finals, while simultaneously excelling in league play.
Within his first four months, he steered the ‘Caps past a gauntlet of high profile opponents in the Concacaf Champions Cup:
- Deportivo Saprissa
- CF Monterrey
- Pumas UNAM
- Inter Miami CF
Sørensen's team is the second in MLS history to both reach a Concacaf Champions Cup Final and earn 63 or more points in a single season, a feat previously accomplished only by the 2024 Columbus Crew.
Later in the season, Sørensen found the right balance to guide the 'Caps to a fourth consecutive TELUS Canadian Championship title, all while continuing to compete at the top of the MLS standings.
Defender of the Year Candidate: Tristan Blackmon
Defender of the Year Candidate: Tristan Blackmon
Blackmon has had an incredible year leading one of the top two backlines in MLS.
- 2025 MLS All-Star and USMNT debut
- Five goals and one assist across all competitions
- Leading the backline with 11 clean sheets kept in MLS, 14 across all competitions
- Among centre backs in MLS
- Top 3% for fewest goals conceded when on the field
- Top 2% for progressive passes
- Top 5% for long passes completed
- Top 7% for percentage of dribblers tackled
Goalkeeper of the Year Candidate: Yohei Takaoka
Goalkeeper of the Year Candidate: Yohei Takaoka
Takaoka has been a steadying force for one of the best teams in MLS, not only with heroic saves and clean sheets, but also by helping keep the team in possession.
- 2025 MLS All-Star and MLS All-Star Skills Challenge hero
- Has played every MLS minute
- MLS leader in clean sheets with 13, 15 across all competitions
- Tied club record in single MLS season
- Most MLS wins among goalkeepers with 18
- Lead the team with the second fewest goals conceded in MLS with 36
- 954 completed passes – second among MLS goalkeepers
Best XI Candidates
Best XI Candidates
A compilation of the 11 best players by position from the 2025 MLS regular season.
In his first full season in MLS, the 22-year-old Colombian has been one of the best two-way fullbacks in the league.
- Part of league-leading backline, helping earn 12 clean sheets in MLS and 14 across all competitions
- Two goals and two assists in MLS play
- Among fullbacks in MLS:
- Top 2% in MLS for progressive carries
- Top 4% in MLS for blocks
- Top 9% in MLS for crosses into penalty area and touches in attacking penalty area
- Top 16% in MLS for fouls drawn
The Uruguayan has been one of the most versatile players in MLS, excelling at right back, left back, centre back, and providing an outsized contribution at the attacking end.
- Part of league-leading backline, helping earn nine clean sheets in MLS and 12 across all competitions
- Five goals, tied for third most among MLS defenders, and two assists in MLS play
- Among fullbacks in MLS:
- Top 8% for aerials won
- Top 10% in pass completion
- Top 15% in percentage of dribblers tackled
By many metrics, Berhalter has been the best midfielder in MLS this season.
- 2025 MLS All-Star, Concacaf Champions Cup Best XI, and United States debut
- Missed five matches away on international duty with the United States
- Leads MLS in long passes completed per 90 at 9.43
- Among midfielders in MLS:
- Top 1% in assists and expected assists (xA) per 90
- Top 2% in key passes per 90
- Top 4% in goals + assists per 90
- Top 7% in progressive passes per 90
- Top 10% in touches per 90
- Tied for team lead with 23 goal contributions across all competitions with 8 goals, 15 assists
- Moved into second in all-time assists for VWFC in the MLS era
Widely regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders in MLS, Cubas has continued to stand out in 2025.
- Among midfielders in MLS:
- Top 4% in tackles won per 90
- Top 7% in long pass completion
- Top 9% in blocks per 90
- Top 13% in ball recoveries
- Helped Paraguay qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Missed three matches on international duty
On a per 90 basis, White has arguably been the best striker in MLS during the 2025 season, both in terms of goalscoring and defending.
- 2025 MLS All-Star & goalscorer, Concacaf Champions Cup Best XI, and first goal for the United States
- Six matches missed with the United States
- 22 goals and one assist across all competitions
- First VWFC player to record 15+ MLS goals in three straight seasons
- MLS leader in expected goals (xG) per 90 at 0.83
- Third in goals per 90 at 0.86
- Highest scoring North American in MLS play since 2021
- Top 1% in MLS among forwards in touches in defensive penalty area