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MLS: Week 2 Power Rankings – Sporting KC explode

By Matt Coles

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - MARCH 07: Roger Espinoza #15 of Sporting Kansas City celebrates after scoring during the 1st half of the game against the Houston Dynamo at Children's Mercy Park on March 07, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - MARCH 07: Roger Espinoza #15 of Sporting Kansas City celebrates after scoring during the 1st half of the game against the Houston Dynamo at Children's Mercy Park on March 07, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 07: Ifunanyachi Achara #99 of Toronto FC celebrates a goal that was eventually ruled offside during the first half of an MLS game against New York City FC at BMO Field on March 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 07: Ifunanyachi Achara #99 of Toronto FC celebrates a goal that was eventually ruled offside during the first half of an MLS game against New York City FC at BMO Field on March 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

5. Atlanta United (+4)

All the talk surrounding Atlanta United following the opening weekend was whether they would be able to deal with the loss of star striker Josef Martinez, who could be out for the rest of the campaign following an ACL tear in their season opener. Well, it looks as though they might be alright, for now.

They battled through against FC Cincinnati with goals from Ezequiel Barco and Emerson Hyndman for the second week in succession. There are still worries going forward, but if the supporting cast can chip in with goals, Atlanta could still have a good season.

Next fixture: Saturday 14 March, 6pm ET vs Sporting Kansas City

4. Toronto FC (+2)

It was one of the blockbuster clashes of the weekend as the MLS Cup finalists Toronto FC took on Eastern Conference winners New York City FC. The Canadian side came out on top, eventually.

The 2017 MLS Cup champions may have had less possession than their visitors at BMO Field on Saturday, but they tripled the number of shots on target, with Ifunanyachi Achara’s 81st-minute strike enough for Toronto to take the win.

With the three points, they now sit inside the top four in the Eastern Conference and have also made the move inside the top five on our Power Rankings following Week 2. All this is without Michael Bradley in central midfield and Pablo Piatti out wide. Toronto FC look very dangerous indeed.

Next fixture: Saturday 14 March, 3pm ET vs Nashville SC

3. Minnesota United (=)

They were the biggest movers on last week’s MLS Power Rankings, and Minnesota United hold on to their top-three position after scoring five goals in Week 2 of the campaign. A double from centre-half Ike Opara saw him win MLS Player of the Week honours, while strikes from Luis Amarilla, Jan Gregus and Robin Lod saw the Loons win in San Jose 5-2.

They are the league’s top scorers with eight goals in their opening two games going into their home opener at Allianz Field on Sunday night, the final match of Week 3.

Next fixture: Sunday 15 March, 6pm ET vs New York Red Bulls

2. Los Angeles FC (=)

After a close victory on the opening weekend, Los Angeles FC put three goals past the Philadelphia Union in Week 2 but could only take a point away from their clash. Unsurprisingly, Carlos Vela got his name on the scoresheet, as he seems to do every week, while Diego Rossi and Eddie Segura got the other two goals for the Black and Gold.

They will be concerned by the fact that they conceded three times but with their goal-scoring exploits at the other end, they will also be pretty sure they can out-score anyone. LAFC are still the elite presence in MLS, even if they could only draw versus the Union.

Next fixture: Sunday 22 March, 8pm ET vs Portland Timbers

1. Seattle Sounders (=)

For the third week running, the Seattle Sounders hold the top spot on our Power Rankings. And this time they take top spot despite not even winning.

They were held to a draw by the Columbus Crew at the weekend despite having 57% possession and 17 shots. A Raul Ruidiaz penalty was all they could manage to dent the scoreline, but their overall control of the match will pay dividends as the season unfolds.

Next. LAFC Vs Philadelphia Union: 3 things we learned. dark

Next fixture: Saturday 14 March, 7:30pm ET @ Houston Dynamo

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