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MLS: Playoff Power Rankings

By Andrew Dowdeswell

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)
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) /
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PORTLAND, OR – AUGUST 18: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara drives a counter attack during the Atlanta United 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on August 18, 2019, in Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
PORTLAND, OR – AUGUST 18: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara drives a counter attack during the Atlanta United 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on August 18, 2019, in Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

9. Portland Timbers

Why are the six seed Portland Timbers in the West ranked as high as ninth in the MLS Multiplex Power Rankings, ahead of teams like Real Salt Lake? Well, primarily, it comes down to the structure of the playoffs: straight knockout.

Success in the postseason is determined by a team’s peaks, not their consistency. Portland have to win just three games and they will be in the MLS Cup. And they have the talent — and style — to do precisely that. Their counter-attacking approach is perfect for knockout football, while any side with Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco and Diego Chara will never be far away from victory.

The reason why they aren’t any higher? Well, they have not proven they can compete at the elite level of MLS. They stumbled down the stretch, despite a home-heavy close to the season, and ultimately scraped in on Decision Day with a win over the San Jose Earthquakes. They may have the pedigree and potential, but they are yet to prove as much this season.

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