๐ MLS Power Rankings: Two new entrants and a domino effect at the top
The League Cup has finally come to an end and Major League Soccer action has resumed.
After a weekend of goal-filled league drama, here are the teams that made it into the top 10 of our power rankings.
10. Portland (๐ Final ranking: 8)
Despite a brief stellar run in the middle of the summer, the Portland Timbers fell back in the rankings as fall approached.
Phil Neville’s team dominated St. Louis at home (32 total shots), but Providence Park was far from a fortress.
The struggling visitors scored four goals despite only six shots on target as the Timbers overcame a 3-1 deficit to earn a 4-4 draw, but Felipe Mora’s sending off ended a night to forget.
Last night, Timbers’ Felipe Mora became the first player in MLS history to score two or more goals, have one or more assists and receive a red card in the same game. #RCTID
โ Mike Donovan (@TheMikeDonovan) August 25, 2024
9. FC Dallas (๐)
Another goal-filled stretch in the East saw FC Dallas make inroads in the table, and after an early exit from the League Cup group stage, interim manager Peter Rutchin’s team bounced back with a determined fightback against bottom-placed DC United.
The talk surrounding the team back in early August must have stuck with them, and the 4-3 win was Dallas’ first away win in MLS this season, a great way to kick-start their comeback!
8. Seattle Sounders (๐)
The second newcomer also returned to MLS with a win, as Seattle recorded back-to-back away wins with a 3-2 win over Minnesota.
The loss to LAFC marks Seattle’s only loss in their last nine MLS games and leaves them unbeaten in eight games and in fifth place in the standings.
7. Real Salt Lake (๐ Finishing: 6)
After benefiting from the results of other clubs and those around them, an inconsistent RSL team falls further down the rankings.
Early games suggested Pablo Mastroeni’s side had the makings of a Supporters’ Shield challenge.
However, a shock loss to the bottom-placed San Jose Earthquakes denied RSL the trophy, putting them on a four-game winning streak that left them third in the Western Conference.
6. Colorado Rapids (๐ Final ranking: 7)
A third-place finish in the League Cup and RSL’s missteps saw the Rapids climb one place in the table, but a thrilling 2-2 draw and a superb penalty kick earned them a place on the podium, suggesting the consistency of Chris Armas’ side will continue for the foreseeable future.
First they won the Rocky Mountain Cup, and now this. Hats off to the youngest team in the West.
5. FC Cincinnati (no change in ranking)
FC Cincinnati couldn’t take advantage of a Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami side, losing 2-0 to Florida despite 5-for-16 shots and 58 percent possession. Since their dominant 6-1 win over the Herons, things have been downhill for Pat Noonan’s team.
Cincinnati has lost four straight games, is eight points behind the leaders of the East and could drop to third place, but we know what they’re capable of and they remain in the top half of the rankings by a narrow margin.
4. LA Galaxy (unchanged)
The LA Galaxy maintained their solid performance with a 2-0 win over Atlanta United, extending their unbeaten home streak to 13 regular season games and showcasing the talent of their new star player.
Summer signing Marco Reus proved he belongs there, scoring a goal and providing an assist off the bench in his MLS debut. The Galaxy are currently top of the table in the West and will have a view of the top spot if they can hold on to it.
3. LAFC (๐ Final ranking: 1)
The Los Angeles-based team attracted attention with the arrival of another superstar, but Olivier Giroud’s first goal for the Black and Gold did not result in a League Cup title win.
LAFC collapsed in the final minutes of added time against Columbus, missing out on the trophy and top spot in the standings, making it two losses to the Crew in a row.
2. Columbus (๐ Final ranking: 3)
LAFC’s relegation saw Columbus Crew deservedly move up one place in the table after winning the League Cup. Wilfried Nancy’s side showed a never-give-up attitude, scoring goals in the 90+2nd and 90+4th minutes, to lift the trophy.
Cucho Hernandez was strong again when it mattered most to lead them to consecutive wins over LAFC, a perfect tournament performance and essentially erasing their MLS stumble from a month ago, and the question is, can they continue this trend?
1. Inter Miami (๐ Final ranking: 2)
to follow
๐๏ธ The fastest goal scored in the club’s history ๐ฎโ๐จ ๐
๐๏ธ Breaking the record for most goals scored in a season ๐คฏ pic.twitter.com/WQDRIdGJ8S
โ Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 25, 2024
The team that ended up topping the rankings in a domino effect was Inter Miami, who were fine without Messi and whose heavy defeat at the start of the season by FC Cincinnati proved a major blunder for Tata Martino’s side.
Luis Suarez scored two goals in six minutes as Miami beat their rivals 2-0 and took a big step towards the Supporters’ Shield. Their only flaw may have been their temperament, as youngster Tomas Aviles received another red card, this time to secure a playoff spot.
Feature image credit: ยฉ Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports