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MLS: Week 6 Power Rankings – Toasting Carlos Vela; Tumbling Portland Timbers

By Christopher Dodson

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 31: Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates his second goal against the Portland Timbers during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 31, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 31: Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates his second goal against the Portland Timbers during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 31, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

The Finest MLS on Tap

6. FC Cincinnati

MLS’ newest team, FC Cincinnati, dropped home points against a reserve Sporting Kansas City, but has all the reasons in the world to feel elated from their first six games. They have eight goals from eight different players. FC Cincinnati has faced three of the final four teams from last year’s playoffs and find themselves comfortably mid-table in the East. Nippert Stadium is already one of the more exciting venues in MLS and the team has rewarded the fans’ enthusiasm. The only downsides to the season have been shoddy goalkeeping errors and the looming Fanendo Adi suspension. Otherwise, MLS is a rosy venture for FCC.

5. Minnesota United 

Minnesota United have a winning record (3-2) to end their opening five-game road trip and now get to open Allianz Field with a firm belief that they’ll host a playoff game. Going into New York and being the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders is no easy task. However, Minnesota played a pragmatic game and came out 2-1 winners. Doing so without Darwin Quintero is even more impressive. The offseason moves are all working out.  And now the stadium opener will be a bottle-popping occasion indeed.

4. LA Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is only fine wine. His play has been impressive. But the Los Angeles Galaxy as a whole were more impressive in their organization, and it earned them a road clean sheet. David Bingham deserves all the credit for sticking with the Panenka penalty kick save. Guillermo Barrios Schelloto seems perfectly fine keeping his team, sans Ibra, quietly under the radar.

3. Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew have six points gained just from beating New England twice. Zack Steffen again came up with a huge save to seal the win this weekend once more. At the other end, the Crew are letting far too many good chances go wanting and will soon have to let Steffen go to Manchester. Caleb Porter, nonetheless, has made an excellent start to life in Ohio.

2. Seattle Sounders

Off to their best start in MLS history, the Seattle Sounders have the second-best goal differential in MLS, behind only LAFC. The Sounders have had to win tight games to keep their unbeaten season going, but the 1-0 wins still add up to three points in the end.

1. LAFC

Los Angeles FC takes the top spot once again. Carlos Vela is on fire, having scored more goals than many MLS clubs despite missing a penalty kick. LAFC has 19 goals, equal to the next two teams in the West. Bob Bradley is talking with swagger to get all of Los Angeles excited. LAFC demolished D.C. United 4-0 on the road, behind a Diego Rossi hat-trick. Clean sheets and blowouts are becoming the norm for LAFC. If Andre Horta can contribute in a way that matches his salary, LAFC could push for the record of best MLS team ever.

Next. Toronto FC Vs Chicago Fire: 3 things we learned. dark

Check back next week for more MLS Power Rankings.

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