MLS: Final Season Power Rankings – Postseason or Post-mortem?

322. Sure, Real Salt Lake ended up with a points total placing them sixth, so, by definition, they are a playoff-caliber team. They are in, aren’t they? However, if not for an epic collapse by the Galaxy, this team would be on vacation already. Real Salt Lake sat at home and were feeling demoralized at halftime on Decision Day. Mike Petke has some big line-up decisions to make for the game at LAFC. LAFC destroyed Real Salt Lake 5-1 in Utah at the beginning of the year. The gap between the two teams might not be that wide, but RSL will need a game plan and effort that has been just out of their grasp all year. They will need to find a new top gear, as they’ll be the biggest underdogs of the playoffs.. 14-13-7. Previous: 13th. Real Salt Lake. 12. team

374. Philadelphia gets a do-over on their trip to NYCFC’s bandbox in the boroughs. To end the regular season, NYCFC shut off service to Dockal and the rest of the Union attack floundered. CJ Sapong was gifted a penalty, and that was about it for Union’s threat on goal, save for another penalty, which was saved. Jim Curtin has led this team to about as close to its ceiling as could be expected. The Union need a couple of midfield reinforcements and a striker that is above replacement-level grade. CJ Sapong wasn’t up to snuff and, without service, Cory Burke is impotent as a game-changer.. 15-14-5. Previous: 15th. Philadelphia Union. 9. team

FC Dallas. 8. team. 370. FC Dallas has missed chances scattered throughout the club’s history. Youth players are leaving for Europe instead of staying to fight for first-team minutes for low wages. FC Dallas had a chance to secure the top seed weeks ago, but dropped points quicker than the temperature. It has no one they can drop balls to and have any expectation of a goal. Roland Lamah led the team with eight goals. Maxi Urruti is a playmaker, not a finisher. Without a bag man up top, FC Dallas will lose points, and expected goals. Eventually, they’ll lose a playoff series to a more clinical side with a more urgent attitude.. 16-9-9. Previous: 8th

team. 375. Portland accepted the fifth seed and rested most of its starting XI. Valeri and Chara did not even suit up for the game. Armenteros looks lost now whereas, at the start of the season, he was always dangerous. A trip to FC Dallas is not as daunting as it is during the summer months, but Portland will need to be on their ‘A’ game to secure a second-round date. Either way, Gio Savarese has proven the doubters wrong, as he led the Timbers to a great record once they opened Providence Park. With no opening month of road trips, next season, Portland should again be in contention for a playoff bye or home game.. 15-10-9. Previous: 7th. Portland Timbers. 7