MLS Winners and Losers: Cavan Sullivan’s USMNT Rise, St. Louis City SC’s Smart Moves, and Chicago Fire’s Hugo Cuypers Gap

Matchday 26 revealed why one Eastern Conference team looks like a true contender, while a Western side faces growing concerns. Cavan Sullivan has transformed from benchwarmer to the USMNT’s rising star, attracting comparisons to Lionel Messi. The sport thrives on such hype swings.

Inter Miami continue their unpredictable performances, shifting rapidly between brilliance and mediocrity. Meanwhile in Florida, Antoine Griezmann made winning look simple by scoring in his fifth straight match and securing his third consecutive game-winner as Orlando City dominated Toronto FC 3-0.

In Chicago, the arrival of Robert Lewandowski raises questions: can a prolific scorer somehow disrupt his team's balance? Soccer always keeps us guessing.

Winner: Corey Wray

St. Louis City Sporting Director Corey Wray faced criticism after selling the club's top midfielders just as momentum was building. Fans were puzzled, but Wray stayed focused and soon secured Damion Downs from Southampton and Colorado’s Rafa Navarro. Since then, St. Louis has been unstoppable, including a 4-0 win over Minnesota United.

What once seemed reckless now looks like a well-thought-out plan paying dividends.

Loser: Tata Martino

Atlanta United’s coach Tata Martino summed up his team’s 0-0 draw with D.C. United bluntly, saying two points were lost. Both teams have struggled this season. Atlanta boasts talent like Miguel Almiron, Breel Embolo, and Aleksey Miranchuk, but struggles with cohesion and balance.

Despite 20 shots and 14 on target against D.C., Atlanta failed to score. They sit seven points outside a playoff spot, facing an uphill battle. Martino must now find answers to turn raw potential into results.

Winner: Hugo Cuypers (from a distance)

Chicago Fire feel the absence of Hugo Cuypers, who left for Monterrey. Though Robert Lewandowski’s goal tally is impressive—six goals in 10 games—the Fire miss Cuypers’ relentless off-ball work that helped pressure opponents and disrupt attacks.

Lewandowski, at 38, cannot cover as much ground, increasing the need for teammates to coordinate pressing. Chicago’s recent 2-1 loss to New England showed how vulnerable they are to counterattacks when pressure breaks down. This is a team issue, not just a striker’s problem.

Loser: LAFC’s MLS Cup Dreams

Before the season, there was talk that LAFC could win the MLS Cup. That prediction looks shaky after a poor defensive display and lack of attacking sharpness led to a loss against a rebuilding Sporting KC. Andre Luiz gave them plenty of trouble, but the team as a whole appeared brittle.

At this stage, LAFC seem like a solid playoff team, not a title favorite.

Winner: Cavan Sullivan Again

Cavan Sullivan earned MLS Player of the Matchday honors again after scoring twice against San Diego. Since the World Cup break, he has contributed nine goals or assists and is on track to break the league record for teenage goal involvements.

The Union are thriving with him leading the charge, and there's still another full season before his anticipated move to Manchester City. Enjoy the show while it lasts.

Loser: Western Conference Playoff Hopefuls

None of the teams ranked eighth through twelfth in the Western Conference won last weekend; only the LA Galaxy managed a point. Just two points separate ninth place San Diego from bottom-placed Seattle, despite uneven games played.

Seattle salvaged a 1-1 draw with the Galaxy thanks to Paul Arriola’s late equalizer, keeping playoff hopes alive. For Portland, San Diego, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota United, though, this weekend was a missed chance to climb closer to postseason qualification.