MLS is Back: Power Rankings after Matchday Two
By Matt Coles
10 – New York Red Bulls (-3)
They had the chance to qualify for the knockout stages of the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, but the New York Red Bulls were unable to capitalise on the opportunity, instead losing 2-0 to the Columbus Crew.
Goals from Gyasi Zardes and Lucas Zelarayan condemned the Red Bulls to their first defeat of the tournament and the season, but they remain inside the top five in the Eastern Conference, and well within sight of qualification for the knockout stages in this tournament.
The Bulls now have a winner-takes-all clash with FC Cincinnati on July 22, with the victor moving through to the last 16 of the tournament. A draw could see both sides through, but the side from New York will be looking to improve on their last performance.
Remaining Group Matches: Group E – vs. FC Cincinnati (July 22, 8 pm ET)
9 – Sporting Kansas City (-1)
It was a vital victory for Sporting Kansas City on Friday evening, as they got the better of Colorado Rapids in a back-and-forth game, with the three points earned enough to keep them in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages.
After losing to Minnesota United in the first round of matches, Sporting could not have got off to a worse start, as Kellyn Acosta put Colorado in front after six minutes. Second-half goals from Khiry Shelton and Alan Pulido put them in front, but they conceded a goal six minutes from time.
However, MLS stalwart Graham Zusi scored a stoppage-time winner to give KC all three points, and they not sit just a point behind both Real Salt Lake and Minnesota atop Group D, and play the former in their final group game on July 22.
Remaining Group Matches: Group D – vs. Real Salt Lake (July 22, 9 am ET)
8 – Portland Timbers (+2)
The Portland Timbers have become the first team from Group F to make it into the knockout stages of MLS is Back following a second straight group match victory. They overcame a tricky Houston Dynamo challenge to sit on six points.
Jeremy Ebobisse got the Timbers up and running with his second goal in as many group games, giving Portland the first-half lead. They doubled that advantage in the second period as Diego Valeri got his first strike of the tournament. A late goal for Alberth Elis got Houston going, but the forward was sent off minutes later, allowing the Timbers to relax slightly for the final few minutes.
Portland are one of just four teams to have won both of their first two group games in the tournament, and the Timbers have already qualified for the knockout stages. A point from their final group game against Los Angeles FC would be enough for them to secure top spot.
Remaining Group Matches: Group F – vs. Los Angeles FC (July 23, 10:30 pm ET)
7 – Columbus Crew SC (+2)
The Columbus Crew are through to the knockout stages of MLS is Back thanks to a second consecutive victory, this one over the New York Red Bulls, to sit atop Group E with one match remaining.
Gyasi Zardes and Lucas Zelarayan were the scorers for the Crew in a 2-0 victory, with the pair both netting for the second straight game in Orlando, following their comprehensive 4-0 defeat of FC Cincinnati last week. They now also sit top of the Eastern Conference with 10 points from their first four games of the 2020 campaign.
With the Red Bulls and Cincinnati (the two teams on 3 points) facing off against each other on the final matchday, the Crew are already through to the knockout stages. A point from their final group game against Atlanta United will see them top the group and put them in the best possible position for the last 16.
Remaining Group Matches: Group E – vs. Atlanta United (July 21, 8 pm ET)
6 – Atlanta United (-2)
It has been a tournament to forget for Atlanta United, with two 1-0 defeats to their name so far, following a loss by that scoreline to FC Cincinnati, a match that Atlanta would have expected to win to keep their hopes of topping the group alive.
It started badly for United in their second group game of the tournament, as Jack Mulraney received a red card for his second bookable offence in just the 26th minute, leaving the Five Stripes to play with ten men for over an hour.
They went on to lose, after a goal from Frankie Amaya, the No.1 selection in the MLS SuperDraft, in the 75th minute, before going down to nine men when JJ Williams was sent off in the tenth minute of stoppage time for kicking out at Kendall Waston. A bad day for the Five Stripes who fall down our Power Rankings.
Remaining Group Matches: Group E – vs. Columbus Crew (July 21, 8 pm ET)