MLS: Week 2 Power Rankings – Sporting KC explode
By Matt Coles
20. Chicago Fire (+1)
After securing their first point of the campaign at the weekend, the Chicago Fire make the move inside the top 20 and off the first slide of our MLS Power Rankings after Week 2.
Both of their first two games have been on the road. After a defeat on the opening day, Chicago travelled to New England where they came away with a point, one that sees them sit in seventh in the Eastern Conference and above the red playoff line.
After falling behind in the first half, a Jonathan Bornstein strike pulled them level with 20 minutes to go. It finished 1-1 at Gillette Stadium and Chicago will take pride from their fight against the Revs as their road journey continues to start the new term.
Next fixture: Saturday 14 March, 6:30pm ET @ Orlando City
19. Montreal Impact (=)
Had their second match of the season been just a couple of minutes shorter, the Montreal Impact would be higher on the Power Rankings. But unfortunately for the Canadian side, that is not the case.
The Impact held a two-goal lead after a double form playmaker Maximiliano Urruti on Saturday afternoon against FC Dallas, but the Texan side fought back with two goals in the last seven minutes to equalise.
Montreal were not expected to win either of their opening two matches, so to have taken two points from them in a huge bonus. However, there is still a rebuilding job going on, hence why they remain in the bottom third of the Power Rankings. They now have a two-week break before their next clash, which comes against one of the in-form teams in the league.
Next fixture: Saturday 21 March, 2pm ET @ Minnesota United
18. Real Salt Lake (=)
It looked for all money like Real Salt Lake were falling to their first defeat of the new campaign. But a 91st-minute equaliser kept their unbeaten start going in 2020.
They came into their home opener against the New York Red Bulls following a draw on the road in Orlando. They had more possession and more shots, but it took until the dying minutes before they were able to find the back of the net. Damir Kreilach’s late strike gave the hosts a point, moving them to two points from two games, though they need to turn their control of matches into victories.
Next fixture: Saturday 14 March, 4pm ET @ Columbus Crew
17. Houston Dynamo (-7)
There are not many positives that the Houston Dynamo can take from their second match of the new season as they conceded four goals on the road in Kansas City.
The Dynamo had less possession, fewer shots and just a single shot on target over the 90 minutes at Children’s Mercy Park. They looked painfully lifeless. This was quite the blow for a team that is still learning under new head coach Tab Ramos.
Next fixture: Saturday 14 March, 7:30pm ET vs Seattle Sounders
16. New England Revolution (-3)
After a disappointing defeat on the opening weekend, the New England Revolution will possibly be even more disappointed to come away with only a point from their home opener.
They had less possession than their visitors to Gillette Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Chicago Fire, whilst also having fewer shots on target. They took the lead through Adam Buksa’s goal on the half-hour mark but failed to see it through. Throwing away leads is not a path to success in MLS, and Bruce Arena will be ruing his side’s opportunity to hold onto the victory.
Next fixture: Sunday 15 March, 12:30pm ET vs Portland Timbers