MLS: Playoff Power Rankings

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 25: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Los Angeles Galaxy at the Banc of California Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The match ended in a 3-3 draw. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

10 of 14

CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 29: Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy thanks Cristian Pavon #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy for the assist during the Los Angeles Galaxy’s MLS match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Dignity Health Sports Park on September 29, 2019 in Carson, California. Los Angeles Galaxy won the match (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

5. Los Angeles Galaxy

What? A team that will not play one home playoff game ranked five? It seems mad. And perhaps it is a little mad, considering that the Los Angeles Galaxy lost to both the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Houston Dynamo to close out the year and slip to the number five seed in the West. But, very much like Portland or Toronto, the Galaxy have an extremely high ceiling, which is perfect for playoff football.

Bar their L.A., neighbours, there might not be a team that has as much potential as the Galaxy. A stable defence when everything is breaking their way, a strong midfield, anchored by the excellent Jonathan dos Santos, and Cristian Pavon introduced midway through the year to inject pace and ingenuity in wide areas.

And then you have the Zlatan Ibrahimovic factor. The second-best player in MLS, an individual who relishes the big stage, Zlatan is capable of winning matches on his own, as he has already proved this year. Oh, and they welcome Romain Alessandrini back into the fold. If it clicks, the Galaxy could — and perhaps even should — go all the way.

Home/MLS News