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πŸ“ˆ MLS Power Rankings: The top half is shaken up and two teams emerge


πŸ“ˆ MLS Power Rankings: The top half is shaken up and two teams emerge

Major League Soccer continues to deliver excellent results, so here are our weekly top 10 rankings.

Who are the biggest movers and shakers after a dramatic 24th and 25th matchday?



Our first new team comes from the Eastern Conference, Orlando City came out on top with a 5-0 thrashing of relegation candidates DC United. On paper, it was the best weekend of their career, giving Oscar Pareja’s team two wins in a row as they look to secure a playoff spot. 24 shots on goal is pretty impressive too.


9. New York Red Bulls (πŸ‘Ž last rank: 8)

Another draw will not please Sandro Schwarz and Co., so the New York Red Bulls slip down a bit in our rankings. A goalless game against Philadelphia Union extended their winless streak away from home, and while they are still proving they are a formidable team in the Eastern Conference, it’s time to get all three points.


8. Colorado Rapids (πŸ†•)

It’s a three-way battle in the Western Conference, but barring any slip-ups, an in-form Colorado Rapids side could emerge as the fourth contender. Chris Armas’ men beat St. Louis City 4-1 at the weekend and now have 15 points from their last six games, an upward trend their opponents will want to keep an eye on.


7. Portland Timbers (no change)

After a hugely disappointing start to the season, Phil Neville’s men looked in the mirror and demanded more. The change in confidence led to a 4-1 victory over ten-man Nashville.

The red card didn’t lead to many goals being scored, however. Portland scored an impressive four goals in 11 minutes to secure fifth place in the Western Conference. Next up is a big test against third-placed Real Salt Lake.


6. Inter Miami (πŸ‘Ž last rank: 2)

Oh yes, Inter Miami. They slip four places in our rankings after conceding an incredible six goals to FC Cincinnati, crumbling under the pressure in the tight race for the Supporters’ Shield.

Tata Martino’s side have conceded 17 goals in their last eight games and with Cincinnati still having games to play, the gap in the Eastern Conference is likely to widen even further. They will need to shake off the result quickly to get back on track.


5. RSL (πŸ‘ last rank: 6)

A first-minute goal against Atlanta United opened the floodgates for an impressive Real Salt Lake side and Diego Luna was rightly named Player of the Day.

We’ve learned that Pablo Mastroeni’s men can actually compete with the big boys. They’re second in the Western Conference and have scored 12 goals in their last four games. If they keep up this form, LAFC will be on guard!


4. LA Galaxy (πŸ‘Ž last rank: 3)

They may have picked up three points, but LA Galaxy’s recent form could be a concern for Greg Vanney. After losing to rivals LAFC, they needed a 90th-minute equaliser against a struggling Minnesota United to come through with three points.

The Galaxy are one of three teams tied for first place in the Western Conference, but unfortunately they are the only one of the three clubs that have not played a game less.


3. Columbus Crew (πŸ‘ last rank: 4)

Columbus Crew continues to quietly climb both the MLS standings and our Power Rankings. A 4-0 win over visitors Toronto secured them third place in the Eastern Conference.

Four goals from six shots and 500 passes to Toronto’s 347 are just a small glimpse into the performance on display. Wilfried Nancy has won four games in a row and faces a crucial test against LAFC next. The Crew also have three games less on their record.


2. FC Cincinnati (πŸ‘ last rank: 5)

The biggest climbers of the week are FC Cincinnati, who moved up three places after beating Inter Miami. In a tight race for the Supporters’ Shield, Pat Noonan’s team entered the TQL Stadium with growing confidence and established themselves as undisputed leaders of the Eastern Conference.

Six goals from five different scorers showed the depth of their squad and they dominated the pitch against a team that (on paper) should be a real challenge. The difference in quality was staggering.


Article image: πŸ“ˆ MLS Power Rankings: The top half is shaken up and two teams emerge

There are no changes in our rankings for LAFC after their game against Houston Dynamo was postponed due to weather conditions. They remain in a three-way tie with LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake, all on 43 points each.

With two games in hand, Steve Cherundolo’s men have an extra boost. Next up is a crucial clash with third-placed Columbus Crew on Saturday.


Check back next week for the updated rankings!

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