Week 6 of MLS action is in the books. Which teams are cracking open the six pack in celebration and which are looking for early-season consolations? Here are the MLS Power Rankings.
There have been some surprising results through the first six weeks of the Major League Soccer season. Some teams are able to celebrate, even this early in the season, having surpassed expectations; others are celebrating as they march on as expected. And then you have the teams looking either pathetic and embarrassed at their six-pack of results.
As we have it, each team has made a case for the type of season it will be. Each team is grouped in six packs, going from the top shelf to the bottle of the barrel.
Here are the MLS Week 6 Power Rankings, based on how a team’s season might taste to the fans right now.
Spare Change, Brown Bag
24. Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers and Gio Savarese have hit rock bottom. The deflating loss in MLS Cup led to the longest short-offseason, even in Portland. Paired with this extended 12-game road trip to start the season, the Timbers have fallen to the worst of depths. They lost to San Jose 3-0. It could have been worse. Diego Valeri missed a penalty and it looks like the whole team misses sleeping in their own beds. This season is being laid down to rest, one road loss at a time.
23. Atlanta United
Atlanta United have to be worried that Frank de Boer and this roster will never be on the same page. Atlanta have two goals in four league games. The only thing that can stop Josef Martinez from scoring at will is de Boer’s tactics, apparently. The players hear the fans grumbling, with Leonardo Gonzalez-Pirez admitting the season’s start has been difficult, and calling for the fans to support the team:
"“We understand the impatience. We as a group — the players and coaching staff — we are too. We want to win and we’re working all week to be able to get a win at the weekend. The only thing I can say to the fans is we understand. We really appreciate your support, and we need that support, especially in these difficult moments — that’s when we need the support of the fans the most."
Atlanta had the week off to work on their issues. In the next three weeks, they will travel to New England, then host FC Dallas followed by Colorado. Atlanta has to find a win soon or find a new manager.
22. New York City FC
New York City FC is tanking it when it comes to their playing surface. The players should be playing with a concern more for safety than securing points on the day. Three points from three home games later, NYCFC might have the worst home field advantage in MLS. Over the course of a season, that will add up to even more points lost. Dome Torrent is in the unenviable position of having to gameplan against his own home field, while the fans chant #DomeOut.
FWIW #DomeOut chants were audible on the local broadcast at the final whistle.
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) April 6, 2019
Guy's had a tough go of it – just 4 wins in the last 21 across all comps. #NYCvMTL https://t.co/VxgTvTvG59
21. Vancouver Whitecaps
The Vancouver Whitecaps’ season feels just like a failed Panenka attempt in the first few minutes of a game. It’s also embarrassing and shameful to waste such a great opportunity. Vancouver cannot afford to throw away many more goals or points and expect to contend. Again, the Whitecaps looked decent for a spell, but couldn’t put a full game together. That’s how their season will slowly fall apart. Players will stop playing for fans rooting for the other team’s star, though they won’t say as much.
20. Colorado Rapids
How soon until the Colorado Rapids fans start the #HudsonOut campaign? How quick will the front office and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment plead poor and beg for more time? Signing Kei Kamara, Benny Feilhaber and Kellyn Acosta were signs of the club’s ambition. But Anthony Hudson’s substitutions the last twenty minutes were backwards. Hudson removed Feilhaber, though he has just assisted Cole Basset’s go-ahead goal. Nicolas Mezquida coming off for Andre Shinyashiki after the Rapids conceded made little difference in preserving a point.
19. San Jose Earthquakes
As the San Jose Earthquakes celebrate their first win and first clean sheet of the season, forgive the fans for not giving the front office any extra goodwill capital. The 3-0 win over the Portland Timbers will bring some confidence and belief to the team, but it is still one of the poorest quality sides in MLS. Matias Almeyda may be figuring things out at Avaya Stadium, but there is still a long way to go.