📈 MLS Power Rankings: Top half shakes up and two teams emerge

Major League Soccer keeps on delivering, so here’s our weekly top-10 power rankings.

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

10. Orlando City (🆕)

Our first new team arrives from within the Eastern Conference as Orlando City let the goals fly against strugglers D.C. United with a 5-0 hammering. It was the best weekend showing on paper, resulting in back-to-back wins for Oscar Pareja’s side as they look to cement themselves a spot in the playoffs. Some 24 shots are fairly impressive, too.

9. New York Red Bulls (👎 last rank: 8)

Another draw is not something Sandro Schwarz and company will be happy with, so the New York Red Bulls slip down slightly in our rankings. A goalless showing against Philadelphia Union extended their winless run on the road, and while they’re still proving they are a formidable side in the Eastern Conference, it’s time to start earning all three points.

8. Colorado Rapids (🆕)

It may be a three-way race out in the Western Conference, but barring any slips, an in-form Colorado Rapids side could emerge as a fourth contender. Chris Armas’ men beat St. Louis City 4-1 over the weekend and now have 15 points from their last six games. This trek upward is something their opponents should keep an eye on.

7. Portland Timbers (No change)

After an extremely underwhelming beginning to the season, Phil Neville’s men looked themselves in the mirror and demanded more. The confidence turnaround led to a 4-1 win over 10-man Nashville.

The red card, however, didn’t lead to that many goals finding the net. Portland impressively netted four goals in 11 minutes, helping them sit fifth in the Western Conference. Up next is a huge test against third-place Real Salt Lake.

6. Inter Miami (👎 last rank: 2)

Oh, Inter Miami. They slip four spots in our rankings after conceding a staggering six goals against FC Cincinnati. They cracked under pressure in the tight race for the Supporters’ Shield.

Tata Martino’s men have conceded 17 goals in their last eight games, and with Cincinnati’s games in hand, the gap in the Eastern Conference is expected to grow. They must shake off the result quickly to get back on track.

5. RSL (👍 last rank: 6)

A goal inside the first minute against Atlanta United opened the floodgates for an impressive Real Salt Lake side, and Diego Luna rightfully emerged as the Player of the Matchday.

We learned that Pablo Mastroeni’s men can, in fact, run with the big boys. They are second in the Western Conference, scoring 12 goals from their last four outings. If their form continues, watch out LAFC!

4. LA Galaxy (👎 last rank: 3)

They might have earned three points, but LA Galaxy’s recent form could be worrisome for Greg Vanney. After losing to rivals LAFC, they had to score a 90th-minute equalizer against a struggling Minnesota United side to scrape by with all three points.

The Galaxy are one of the three teams tied in the Western Conference for first place, but unfortunately, they are the only club of the three without a game in hand.

3. Columbus Crew (👍 last rank: 4)

Sneakily, Columbus Crew continue to move up in the standings both in the MLS table and in our power rankings. A 4-0 win over visitors Toronto ensured they sit third in the Eastern Conference.

Four goals from six shots on target and 500 passes to Toronto’s 347 are just a glimpse at the performance on display. Wilfried Nancy has won four in a row, with a crunch test against LAFC next. Plus, the Crew have three games in hand.

2. FC Cincinnati (👍 last rank: 5)

The biggest movers of the week see FC Cincinnati jump up three spots after demolishing Inter Miami. In a tight race for the Supporters’ Shield, Pat Noonan’s squad entered TQL Stadium with surging confidence to establish themselves as outright leaders in the Eastern Conference.

Six goals from five different scorers proved just how deep their roster is and they commanded the pitch against a side that was (on paper) supposed to be a true test. The gap is quality was staggering.

1. LAFC (no change)

There’s no change in our rankings for LAFC after their match with 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 now, Steve Cherundolo’s men have an extra boost. Up next is a crunch clash with third-place Columbus Crew on Saturday.

Check back next week for the updated ranking!