MLS Winners and Losers: Rising USMNT Star Cavan Sullivan, St. Louis City's Smart Moves, and Chicago Fire's Struggles Without Hugo Cuypers

The weekend showcased why one Eastern Conference team is becoming a serious contender while a Western side is showing signs of trouble.

Winner: Corey Wray's Bold Strategy Pays Off for St. Louis City SC

St. Louis CITY's Sporting Director Corey Wray faced criticism for selling their top two midfielders during a promising run, leaving fans puzzled. Yet his confidence was unwavering. Shortly after, Wray secured Damion Downs from Southampton and Colorado Rapids' key player Rafa Navarro. The results speak for themselves as St. Louis has been unstoppable since, putting four goals past Minnesota United on Saturday.

Loser: Tata Martino and Atlanta United’s Struggle for Cohesion

Atlanta United coach Tata Martino called the 0-0 draw with D.C. United a loss of two points, and he wasn’t wrong. Both teams have had rough seasons, but Atlanta boasts high-quality attackers like Miguel Almiron, Breel Embolo, and Aleksey Miranchuk, making their struggles more frustrating. Despite 20 shots and 14 on target against D.C., Atlanta failed to score and now sits seven points outside playoff contention, facing a tough road ahead.

Winner: Hugo Cuypers’ Absence Felt by Chicago Fire

Robert Lewandowski has scored six goals in 10 appearances for Chicago, but his style differs greatly from former striker Hugo Cuypers. Cuypers’ relentless off-ball work helped Chicago apply pressure and disrupt opponents’ play, something Lewandowski, at 38, cannot replicate. This leaves more responsibility on teammates to maintain defensive shape and coordinated pressing. The 2-1 loss to New England highlighted these issues, showing Chicago’s vulnerability in transition despite controlling possession and shots.

Loser: LAFC’s Waning MLS Cup Prospects

Before the season, some predicted LAFC would win the MLS Cup. That seems less likely now. Their recent loss to a rebuilding Sporting Kansas City side revealed defensive frailties and a lack of offensive sharpness. Though Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga are talented, the team looks more like a solid playoff contender than a title favorite under head coach Marc Dos Santos.

Winner: Cavan Sullivan’s Meteoric Rise Continues

Cavan Sullivan was again named MLS Player of the Matchday after scoring twice against San Diego. Since the World Cup break, the Philadelphia Union star has contributed nine goals or assists, on track to surpass Diego Fagundez’s teenage record of 20 goal involvements set in 2013. With one more full season before joining Manchester City, Sullivan is lighting up MLS and energizing the Union.

Loser: Western Conference Playoff Hopefuls Miss Key Chances

The battle for playoff spots in the West remains tight, but last weekend saw no wins from teams ranked eighth to twelfth. Only the LA Galaxy managed a point with a 1-1 draw against Seattle, thanks to Marco Reus' penalty. Teams like Portland, San Diego, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota United missed critical opportunities, leaving the playoff race wide open and unpredictable.

• Matchday 26 MLS Eastern Conference:
• St. Louis City SC: Scored 4 goals vs. Minnesota United
• Orlando City: Defeated Toronto FC 3-0 with Antoine Griezmann scoring again
• Atlanta United: 0-0 draw with D.C. United, 7 points out of playoffs
• Philadelphia Union (Cavan Sullivan): 2 goals vs. San Diego, 9 goal contributions since World Cup break

• Matchday 26 MLS Western Conference:
• LA Galaxy: 1-1 draw vs. Seattle Sounders
• Seattle Sounders: Late equalizer from Paul Arriola
• LAFC: Loss to Sporting Kansas City, doubts on MLS Cup chances
• San Diego, Portland, Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United: Failed to secure wins, playoff hopes dim