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MLS: Week 1 Power Rankings – Minnesota United on the rise

By Matt Coles

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 01: Angelo Rodriguez #9 of Minnesota United celebrates with Ethan Finlay #13 and Jan Gregus #8 after a goal during the second half against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on March 01, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. Minnesota won 3-1. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 01: Angelo Rodriguez #9 of Minnesota United celebrates with Ethan Finlay #13 and Jan Gregus #8 after a goal during the second half against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on March 01, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. Minnesota won 3-1. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 29: Russell Canouse #4 of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates Steve Birnbaum #15 and Felipe Martins #18 after scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids in the second half at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 29: Russell Canouse #4 of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates Steve Birnbaum #15 and Felipe Martins #18 after scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids in the second half at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

15. D.C. United (-3)

Everyone in the league had a feeling that D.C. United might find it tough without Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta going into the 2020 campaign, and that was the case in the season-opening match against Colorado Rapids.

The visitors to Audi Field finished last season in 9th spot in the Western Conference, but they went to the capital and came away with the win. For D.C., who led on the hour mark, this could be the start of a poor season if the new players that arrived do not gel quickly.

Next fixture: Saturday 7 March, 2:30pm ET vs Inter Miami CF

14. New England Revolution (-5)

The New England Revolution came into the new season inside the top ten on MLS Multiplex’s Power Rankings, but they have dropped down five places this week after a defeat on the road against Montreal on Saturday afternoon, especially after taking the lead early on at Stade Saputo.

They had double the amount of shots on target compared to the Impact, and with Teal Bunbury’s 13th-minute strike, they led the match. However, they were unable to hold on for the victory, perhaps casting question over their preseason promise. Obviously, no Carles Gil did not help.

Next fixture: Saturday 7 March, 12:30pm vs Chicago Fire

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13. Portland Timbers (-5)

In the final match of the weekend, the Portland Timbers faced Minnesota United. They would have been expecting to come away from the match with at least a point against their fellow playoff side from 2019. But not so.

They were out-played by the Loons, losing 3-1, with a Diego Valeri penalty their only mark on the scorecard. They managed just three shots on target against their Western Conference rivals. They will need to buck up their ideas, dropping down five places on our Power Rankings this week.

Next fixture: Sunday 8 March, 6pm ET vs Nashville SC

12. Philadelphia Union (-5)

Another side that would have expected to win on the opening weekend were the Philadelphia Union, who made it further than ever before in the postseason last time round by winning their first-ever playoff game, eventually falling at the Conference Semi-Final stage.

However, to open 2020. they were comfortably beaten on the road in Dallas. The Union managed just three shots on target despite having more possession and were cut open on the counter-attack in what was a sobering defeat for a team that did not invest too much in the offseason.

Next fixture: Sunday 8 March, 9:30pm ET @ Los Angeles FC

11. Columbus Crew SC (-4)

The Columbus Crew came into the season well inside the top ten on our Power Rankings, and they are on of just two teams that won on the opening weekend to find themselves falling down the rankings ahead of the second round of MLS fixtures.

This is because they only managed to score once against a ten-man New York City FC. The Sky Blues went down to ten men in the third minute of their clash when Maxime Chanot was given his marching orders, but just a single goal from Lucas Zelarayan was all the Crew could muster. This could be a worrying sign for the future.

Next fixture: Saturday 7 March, 9pm ET @ Seattle Sounders

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