MLS Multiplex
Fansided

MLS: Week 9 Power Rankings – Atlanta United soar

By Christopher Dodson

ATLANTA, GA MARCH 17: Atlanta United's Franco Escobar (2) brings the ball up the field during the match between Vancouver and Atlanta United on March 17, 2018 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps by a score of 4 - 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA MARCH 17: Atlanta United's Franco Escobar (2) brings the ball up the field during the match between Vancouver and Atlanta United on March 17, 2018 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps by a score of 4 - 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
KANSAS CITY, KS – APRIL 20: Vancouver Whitecaps forward Alphonso Davies (67) controls the ball in the first half of an MLS match between the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Sporting Kansas City on April 20, 2018 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, KS – APRIL 20: Vancouver Whitecaps forward Alphonso Davies (67) controls the ball in the first half of an MLS match between the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Sporting Kansas City on April 20, 2018 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

MLS Middle Class

Previous: 18th. Real Salt Lake. 18. team. 322. Nick Rimando, with help from every post, kept Real Salt Lake in the game until Nick Besler made his first big mistake of the season conceding a penalty kick in the 75<sup>th</sup> minute. Real Salt Lake had chances to score but proved inept when it mattered most. Asking Rimando to continue his world-class form just to stay in games is a huge ask, even if he has been an MLS star for years. To have any chance this season, RSL needs to find some goals. Only twice this season has this team scored more than one goal, including last week’s 3-0 win over 10-man Colorado.. 3-4-1

Houston Dynamo. 17. team. 337. The dominating performance from the season opener might as well have happened last year. After that spectacular performance, the Dynamo have been sloppy and lackadaisical on both sides of the ball. The results they deserve have followed. Houston had three times as many shots as Minnesot but lacked focus after the easy Alberth Elis opener. They also had 15 shots inside the Loons penalty area, only five of which were on target. Elis and Romell Quioto can fly down the wings and set up chances, but unless a striker is found, this team’s season will end up like so many of their wayward shots.. 2-3-2. Previous: 11th

368. The Rapids took a lead against a good team but could not hold on for any home points. Fans will lament the first goal, as Tim Howard saves that Hiquita shot. Zac MacMath knew immediately that he was caught flat-footed, judging by his immediate reaction. Gashi taking another knock is concerning, as is Boateng’s likely concussion. However, Boateng was having a howler of a game in the few instances he did get involved. Serna was responsible for the goals in ways, but showed some initiative that was to that point lacking.. 2-3-2. Previous: 15th. Colorado Rapids. 14. team

Previous: 12th. FC Dallas. 12. team. 370. The last undefeated team in MLS finally goes down. FC Dallas has not been convincing in any of their wins and were lucky to hold on for a couple of their ties. Mosquera and Urruti looked dangerous for FC Dallas but the team behind them spent more time ball watching than a Time Square gawker during New Year’s Eve.. 3-1-3

Gio Savarese finally had a good week as manager, opening the new Providence Park with a win against NYCFC. After an extra week to study film and build on the positives, the Timbers travel to struggling San Jose looking to separate themselves from the bottom rung of the table.. 2-3-2. Previous: 13th. Portland Timbers. 11. team. 375

Home/MLS News