MLS Preseason 2025: Charlotte Outlast Sporting KC, St. Louis Top Red Bulls
The 2025 Major League Soccer preseason kicked off with some exciting matchups as teams across the league began preparing for the upcoming season. Charlotte FC, Sporting Kansas City (SKC), St. Louis City SC, and the New York Red Bulls provided fans with thrilling preseason action, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting year of MLS soccer. Here’s a look at the highlights from these matches, including Charlotte’s impressive win over Sporting KC and St. Louis City’s victory over the Red Bulls.
Charlotte FC Outlasts Sporting Kansas City
In one of the more highly anticipated preseason matchups, Charlotte FC proved their mettle with a hard-fought victory over Sporting Kansas City. The match, which was tightly contested from the opening whistle, saw Charlotte edge out SKC with a final score of 2-1.
Charlotte’s attacking duo was on full display, as both goals came from the feet of their dynamic forwards. The first goal came in the 23rd minute when a well-timed cross found the head of Charlotte’s striker, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net. Sporting KC responded with a brilliant piece of individual play, as their midfielder unleashed a long-range shot that hit the top corner of the goal, leveling the score at 1-1.
However, Charlotte regained the lead in the 58th minute when a counter-attack caught SKC’s defense off guard. A quick through ball played into space allowed Charlotte’s forward to race behind the defense and finish calmly past the goalkeeper. Sporting KC pushed forward late in the match but couldn’t break down Charlotte’s defensive resilience. Despite some strong chances, the hosts held on for the win.
For Charlotte, this victory was an important confidence boost as they prepare for their second season in MLS. Their offense looks sharp, with the attacking players showing chemistry and precision. On the defensive side, Charlotte’s ability to weather the storm in the second half and manage Sporting KC’s late pressure will be seen as a positive sign heading into the regular season.
St. Louis City SC Downs New York Red Bulls
St. Louis City SC continued their strong preseason form with a 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. In what was a match defined by St. Louis’ disciplined defensive approach and clinical counter-attacks, the Red Bulls found themselves unable to break down their opponents’ defense.
The first goal came in the 37th minute when St. Louis City’s winger delivered a precise ball into the box, finding the head of their forward, who powered a header past the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper. New York struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful opportunities in the first half, and St. Louis capitalized with excellent defensive organization.
In the second half, St. Louis added another goal in the 72nd minute. A quick transition from defense to attack saw their midfielder collect the ball just outside the Red Bulls’ penalty area before calmly slotting it into the bottom corner of the net. The Red Bulls had some flashes of creativity but were ultimately unable to break down St. Louis City’s resolute defense.
For St. Louis, this victory was another positive step in their preparation for the 2025 season. Their defensive structure and ability to transition quickly from defense to offense were the standout elements of their performance. With their debut MLS season just around the corner, the result served as a good indication that the team has the defensive solidity and attacking threat to compete at the highest level.
For the Red Bulls, the loss highlighted some of the issues they will need to address before the regular season. Their attack lacked a cutting edge, and they struggled to break down St. Louis City’s well-organized defense. While it’s still early in the preseason, head coach Gerhard Struber will need to focus on refining the team’s offensive play to ensure they are ready for a strong start to the 2025 season.
What We Learned from the Preseason Matches
- Charlotte’s Attack Looks Strong: Charlotte FC’s offense is in good shape heading into the 2025 season. The team looks cohesive in the final third, and their ability to counter-attack and create space for their forwards will make them a dangerous side. With more time to gel, Charlotte’s attacking players could prove to be a handful for MLS defenses.
- Sporting KC’s Defense Needs Fine-Tuning: While SKC demonstrated creativity in attack, their defense showed some vulnerabilities, particularly when trying to track Charlotte’s pace on the counter-attack. Coach Peter Vermes will need to work on improving the team’s defensive shape and ensuring they don’t give up easy goals during the regular season.
- St. Louis City’s Solid Defense: St. Louis City’s defensive structure is proving to be one of the team’s greatest assets. They were able to stifle the Red Bulls’ offense, and their ability to quickly transition from defense to attack suggests that they will be a tough opponent in their inaugural MLS season. If they can maintain this defensive solidity and build on their attacking play, St. Louis could be a team to watch in 2025.
- The Red Bulls Need Offensive Reinforcements: The New York Red Bulls’ offensive struggles were evident in their loss to St. Louis. While their defense was solid, they failed to generate enough scoring chances. It will be crucial for the Red Bulls to refine their attack, especially with the high expectations placed on them heading into the season. Finding consistency in front of goal will be key for Struber and his squad.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
As teams continue to shake off the rust and finalize their rosters, these preseason matches serve as a valuable learning experience. For Charlotte, Sporting KC, St. Louis, and the Red Bulls, the 2025 MLS season is just around the corner, and the preseason results give fans a glimpse of what to expect.
Charlotte FC’s offensive firepower, St. Louis City’s defensive resilience, Sporting KC’s need for defensive adjustments, and the Red Bulls’ quest for offensive consistency will be major storylines to follow as the season progresses.
With the regular season fast approaching, each team will be looking to build on their preseason performances and carry momentum into the start of the campaign. The road to the MLS playoffs will be long, but these early preseason results indicate that each of these teams has something to prove in the 2025 season. Fans of Charlotte, St. Louis, Sporting KC, and the Red Bulls can expect plenty of exciting soccer as the league heads into another thrilling year.