MLS: Week 18 Power Rankings – Sporting KC slip up

team. 371. Montreal pulled off the upset of the weekend in MLS. Ignacio Piatti sparked the win with his 54th-minute volley, Evan Bush had several crucial saves and one worrying crash into the post, but came out with a clean sheet, and Garde confirming Fanni will be staying until the end of the season should assure the supporters that the Impact are serious about making a playoff run. Someone to ease the goal burden from Piatti remains the Impact’s biggest need in the transfer window, however.. 7-11. Previous: 18th. Montreal Impact. 17

374. CJ Sapong continues to be arguably the worst starting MLS striker and has little competition behind him judging by Jim Curtin’s line-up decisions. What little service he received from an overrun midfield was wasted immediately even when the Union could have used a spell of possession. Bedoya and Dockel are being paid to provide more resistance and possession, though neither have been consistent in doing so, and the road woes continue to plague Philadelphia. At some point, the young backline has to learn from the mistakes instead of repeating them. If not, Curtin needs to give lessons in accountability and consequences. Without some progress, the Union’s ceiling is mere playoff fodder.. 6-8-3. Previous: 15th. Philadelphia Union. 16. team

377. Giovinco has missed five of his last eight penalties and rumors are swirling around his transfer to Liga MX. Toronto FC’s points total leaves them closer to the worst record in the league than the last playoff spot. The Reds stand 20th in points per game and have only a couple games in hand. Alex Bono was at fault on the goal while Toronto could not beat NYRB’s Robles. The CCL Final run was great, but ultimately left this team running on empty, and without Altidore, Giovinco has little help. Moreover, with Mavinga and Moor out injured, Toronto played five at the back at home and left the midfield disconnected with Michael Bradley again isolated.. 4-8-3. Previous: 14th. Toronto FC. 14. team

MAPFRE Stadium made be falling apart one handrail at a time, but Real Salt Lake were in tatters from the opening whistle. An Albert Rusnak consolation midway through the second half made things interesting, but RSL were outplayed for large portions of the match. As a false nine, Kreilack was all but invisible, hardly ever linking with Saucedo or Rusnak. Once it was close, the Crew were able to hold RSL at bay. Real Salt Lake had three total first-half shots from a combined distance of over 120 yards. Giving up a penalty only made things worse.. 7-8-2. Previous: 11th. Real Salt Lake. 12. team. 322

337. Last seen losing points to Sporting KC, the Orange faithful can be proud of Machado’s performance for Panama. He exuded joy and confidence even in defeat. Bringing those lessons back to Houston’s locker room could benefit the team at large. Quioto has received his green card, so the Dynamo have an international roster slot to fill in the upcoming transfer window.. 6-6-3. Previous: 10th. Houston Dynamo. 10. team

7-4-6. Previous: 9th. New England Revolution. 9. team. 372. Matt Turner’s stock has soared since impressing Brad Freidel in preseason to win the job and he continues to repay that trust. This was another good performance. Freidel made two subs at halftime to express his displeasure with the rest of the team’s performance. Penilla is the least of the Revolution’s worries as he again scored a brace to secure the points. Shaky wins at home against a weary DC United still bring points, but not much confidence. Dielna and Caicedo committed silly fouls and New England was a bit too sloppy in possession, even in an improved second half.