MLS: Week 10 Power Rankings – Houston Dynamo on the rise
Some good, some bad
16. Atlanta United – Josef Martinez is finding more of the ball further away from goal, pulling defenses apart. Martinez on the ball forty yards from goal is better than him being isolated up top, waiting for service. Martinez and Ezequiel Barco are developing a better on-field understanding and now the goals are coming again for Atlanta’s reigning MVP. Just as the goals are coming, though, Barco will depart on international duty. Justin Meram enters the fold just in time for the Orlando City fixture. If Atlanta wins, they’ll jump into a playoff spot while knocking Orlando City out of one.
15. New York Red Bulls – The New York Red Bulls found goals against the LA Galaxy. The Red Bulls have not been their usual regular season juggernauts, scoring only 12 goals in 10 games. Forward Tom Barlow has been banging in USL goals and was brought up from NYRB2 to fill a full-time first-team spot. New York has faith in the system and talent pipeline, which helps them tread water around the playoff line. Chris Armas is finally believing Kaku is properly adjusted to his playing style, which should be enough to carry them over the line.
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14. Orlando City – Orlando City barely threatened the Toronto goal in the 2-0 home loss. Looking at the standings, fans could feel comforted by being above the playoff line. Looking at the results, Orlando has yet to beat a winning team. James O’Connor is sticking with his preferred starters, but the questions about the rest of the roster remain. Chris Mueller, Josué Colmán, Cristian Higuita, and Sacha Kjestan cannot all be happy as bench players.
13. Columbus Crew – David Guzman has been brought in to give the Crew a different look in the midfield. Caleb Porter knows Columbus lacks a certain dynamism in midfield, so he brought over a former Timbers player to help implement the system. So far, it has not really worked. Another defeat this week against D.C. United pulls them further off the Eastern pace.
12. Minnesota United – Trading away Francisco Calvo could be an addition by subtraction. His departure allows the new look Loons to move on from a demanding personality frustrated with the losses of the past. It also gives Minnesota some financial room and roster flexibility going into the summer transfer window.
11. FC Dallas – Luchi Gonzalez has a decent team on his hands, but he cannot run them ragged before the summer heat hits. FC Dallas can claim VAR did them over, but almost all of the players were bent over before the final whistle. Carlos Gruezo’s poor first touch led directly to Houston’s second goal. Paxton Pomykal looks better with every game he misses.
10. Montreal Impact – Montreal sits third in the table with a negative goal differential. This past week’s 2-0 loss at home to NYCFC showed that the Impact need less of the ball or more of Ignacio Piatti. Remi Garde’s tactics break down after the initial ideas are blocked. Piatti is the only player capable of creatively redirecting any sustained attacks. Without him, Montreal’s breakdowns in possession become quick chances for the opposition.
9. New York City FC – Dome Torrent was just thinking out loud when he expressed a willingness to change formations. New York City FC have not lost since Torrent acted on that whim. Now, if he can just find a formation that works in Yankee Stadium. The new style of play may work, despite a lack of width at home. As long as Heber gets a few chances per game, this team will find a goal.