With one fourth of the 2015 MLS season already played, here is a look at the players and teams who have performed the best, and those who have failed to meet expectations.

The 2015 MLS Cup final may still feel like it is too far away to even think about, but as Major League Soccer reaches the quarter mark of the current season, it feels like the first fourth of the campaign just flew by.

After avoiding a work stoppage, MLS kicked off to what could be best described as a slow and boring start, with scoring way down and questions being raised about whether the quality of the league had gone down. Those concerns appeared to fade quickly in recent weeks as the goals started to flow more regularly and many of the league's best teams finally started playing like they were expected to when the season began.

Seattle, New England and the LA Galaxy all started slowly through the first month of the season, but all three have seen their results improve in recent weeks, with the Sounders and Revs playing some of the best soccer in the league. Toronto FC endured a four-match losing streak early in the season, but has rebounded with consecutive wins. Now Greg Vanney's side will finally see the end of a seven-match road trip and a return to BMO Field.

There have been some surprises early on, such as the New York Red Bulls, who have responded well to new coach Jesse Marsch, and the San Jose Earthquakes, who have responded well to Dom Kinnear's tutelage. There have also been some expected struggles for expansion sides New York City FC and Orlando City, who have combined for just one win since mid-March, and just three through 17 matches.

With the summer fast approaching, and the league readying for a quick sprint to mid-season, here is a look at the best in MLS through the first quarter of the 2015:

MVP- Obafemi Martins, Seattle Sounders

Though you could make a case for several strong candidates, including Vancouver's Octavio Rivero and FC Dallas' Fabian Castillo, it is tough to go against Martins, who has registered six goals and two assists, meaning he's had a hand in eight of Seattle's 13 goals this season.

COACH OF THE YEAR- Ben Olsen, D.C. United

There have been several fine coaching jobs turned in through the season's first quarter, such as the jobs done by Marsch with the Red Bulls and Carl Robinson with Vancouver, but Olsen's ability to keep D.C. United rolling through injuries to Fabian Espindola and Steve Birnbaum, and the loss of Eddie Johnson to a reported heart condition, deserves praise. To have D.C. off to the best start in the club's storied history is truly an impressive job.

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR- Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy

It has been a slow start for the defending champion Galaxy, but one player who has played up to his expectations is Gonzalez, who has been the unquestioned anchor of the Galaxy defense. Not only has he been his usual imposing self defensively, Gonzalez has also been a factor offensively, contributing a goal and two asists in nine matches.

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR- Bobby Shuttleworth, New England Revolution

When the New England Revolution started the season surrendering five goals in a pair of losses, there were real questions about whether the Revs were going to take a major step back in 2015. One seven-match unbeaten streak and 5-0-2 run later and the Revs are looking every bit the title contenders they were expected to be. Shuttleworth has been a big key to that success, and has been excellent in helping the Revs allow just three goals in their past seven matches.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR- Octavio Rivero, Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps appear to have struck gold on the international market yet again, with Rivero looking like a real revelation and just the kind of goal scorer Vancouver needed. The Uruguayan striker has a nose for goal, combines well with teammates and never stops wortking, and with Pedro Morales helping provide service, Rivero could be a 20-goal scorer.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR- Matt Polster, Chicago Fire

It hasn't been a big year for MLS rookies, but a handful have been able to fight for and earn steady minutes. Polster has quietly established himself as the most impressive in the bunch early on. The Fire midfielder has shown a maturity that has allowed him to slide into the middle of the park and help the Fire climb out of a rough start to the season.

MLS BEST XI