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MLS: Week 8 Power Rankings – Early-season Easter eggs

By Christopher Dodson

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 20: Orlando City forward Nani (17) scores the the game winning goal in the 83 minute during the MLS soccer match between the Orlando City SC and Vancouver Whitecaps on April 20, 2019 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 20: Orlando City forward Nani (17) scores the the game winning goal in the 83 minute during the MLS soccer match between the Orlando City SC and Vancouver Whitecaps on April 20, 2019 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 21: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC lines up a a shot during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 21: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC lines up a a shot during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

Resurrection

8. D.C. United – Wayne Rooney and the Audi Field experience is now D.C. United, and that is a problem. Rooney has misfired more often than not and the Audi Field fans have seen two losses and a draw in the last month. They have seen a point added to the standings but no goals in this barren spell at home. Ben Olsen’s team still top the Eastern table, but the evidence from the last five games suggest they’ll soon be toppled.

7. Sporting KC – Sporting Kansas City had a letdown game after the excitement following their CCL run. Trust in Peter Vermes will not waver due to one fluke game. Sporting KC will not crater below the playoff line. There are a few issues that could be chalked up to fatigue, but those will not linger. A couple of summer reinforcements and some squad rotation to get everyone’s competitive juices flowing fresh again and Sporting KC will be contending for a top seed at the end of the season. Vermes is MLS’ version of Gregg Popovich, the club’s culture will not allow many more 4-1 losses. The players will not miss many more penalties as badly either.

6. Houston Dynamo – Another one of the undefeated teams to lose their edge this week, the Houston Dynamo fell to the LA Galaxy thanks to a Zlatan and dos Santos. Their inability to hold possession in the midfield will be troubling, but they have one of the best offensive units in the league led by the superb Alberth Elis.

5. Seattle Sounders – There is no shame in losing to Los Angeles FC. The Seattle Sounders may now sit six points behind their Western rivals, but they were the last undefeated team in MLS. Plenty of talent, still another third DP to add to the squad, and a chance to avenge the 4-1 loss next week. A long way to go.

4. Toronto FC – The 4-3 comeback win versus Minnesota United proved that Toronto FC do not give up. Alejandro Pozuelo showed an ability to turn a game in minutes, scoring two goals in three minutes, celebrations included. Jordan Hamilton then did his best Pozuelo impression in the 77th and 79th minutes, scoring a two-minute brace as a second-half substitute. The squad is top heavy, but Jozy Altidore is holding everyone accountable. There will be no second year of a slip from Toronto FC.

3. LA Galaxy – The LA Galaxy have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and he is bigger than MLS HQ. Just ask him, or the majority of the sporting world. There isn’t really much more you need to know, though the midfield is of increasing quality and influence.

2. FC Dallas – FC Dallas went into Atlanta and controlled the game for most of the 2-1 win. The Hoops got an early goal, managed the match well, and then scored the late insurance goal as Atlanta was pressing forward. They needed it, as they gave up a 97th-minute penalty to Josef Martinez. It speaks to the defense’s quality that Atlanta looked toothless at home.

dark. Next. Columbus Crew Vs Portland Timbers: 3 things we learned

1. Los Angeles FC – Carlos Vela and Los Angeles FC are having such a great year that armband trash talk is the best the MLS reddit crowd can offer. The styling history of captain’s armbands in the comments is quite interesting. Bob Bradley’s team wears the signifying marker of a leader for another week. Vela’s season may need something more than the MVP trophy to fully recognize how thoroughly he and his team are dominating. Taking home the MLS double would suffice. The 4-1 win over Seattle was a statement game showing that trophies could be a reality.

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