MLS: Week 9 Power Rankings – Atlanta United soar

Toronto FC. 8. team. 377. Several stars had enough rest, and class, to have Toronto up 2-0 midway through the first half. An Alex Bono penalty save kept the shutout secure through halftime, but once the Reds legs gave way, the Fire got the goals to steal a tie at the death. Toronto will be fine in the long run, but this CCL run took its toll. This squad should be rotated heavily until the summer transfer window. No need to burn out midway through the season when the playoffs are waiting.. 1-4-1. Previous: 7th

New England Revolution. 7. team. 372. Brad Friedel set his team up for an ugly home win and got exactly that. Teal Bunbury sheepishly poked home the game-winner just before halftime, but the rest of the game New England was being overrun by Sporting KC. The defense held up under the barrage, making over two dozen clearances from their box. The Revolution team attacks quickly though, getting off 16 shots, mostly on the counter. Seven were on target, and the worst one stole the points.. 3-2-2. Previous: 8th

373. The Red Bulls silenced the crowd early, racing out to a two-goal lead. Galaxy fans will claim the victory should go to VAR, but New York was able to take all three points after a controversial penalty was given. Kaku converted and New York saw out the final handful of minutes. Royer was able to nab a goal to help his confidence, which should ease some concerns, as this win meant more than most.. 4-3. Previous: 6th. New York Red Bulls. 5. team

team. 327. It is five on the trot for Jason Kreis’s OCSC, as their play is living up to the Lions moniker. A trip across a couple time zones and a few thousand elevated feet proved no big obstacle for Orlando City, who completed yet another comeback win. Justin Meram and Yoshi Yotun got the starts on the wings and looked motivated to keep their jobs. However, Sane and Tarek should have never been split on the Rapids lone goal. That play is an example of the miscommunications and hesitation that has OCSC playing from behind so often. However, El-Munir looks to be an MLS all-star every other game and saved OCSC 2 points with his late play.. 5-2-1. Previous: 5th. Orlando City SC. 4