MLS is Back: Power Rankings after the group stages

10. New England Revolution (+1)

The New England Revolution went into their final group game of the MLS is Back tournament knowing that a victory would see them finish as winners of Group C, but they could only manage a goalless draw with Toronto FC on Tuesday morning.

The two goalkeepers were the key men in the piece, with New England’s shot-stopper Matt Turner being named man of the match for his efforts. The goalless draw sees the Revolution finish second in the group, behind TFC on goals scored.

Thanks to their second-place finish in the group, New England will now face the Philadelphia Union, who also came through their group as the second-place side. Both sides currently have eight points from their five games in 2020, so it could be an interesting clash on Saturday night.

Last 16 Fixture: v Philadelphia Union (July 25, 10:30pm ET)

9. Orlando City SC (+5)

Unbeaten in three games in MLS is Back and qualifying for the knockout stages as the best team in Group A, that’s what Orlando City managed to secure on Monday night as they drew 1-1 with Philadelphia Union.

They fell behind halfway through the second period of play as Ilsinho gave Philadelphia the lead, but the ‘home’ side fought back instantly, with Pereyra slotting home from a Nani cross just a couple of minutes later to secure top spot in the group.

The ‘hosts’ will face off against Montreal Impact in the first match of the round of 16, having gone through as Group A winners. The two sides will play on July 25, and the winners will then have a long rest prior to the quarter-finals.

Last 16 Fixture: v Montreal Impact (July 25, 8pm ET)

8. Portland Timbers (=)

The Portland Timbers are through to the last 16 of MLS is Back in Orlando as the top team in Group F after a late equaliser earned them a 2-2 draw against reigning Supporters’ Shield holders Los Angeles FC on Thursday night.

Portland got the game off to a perfect start, with a seventh-minute strike from Jaroslaw Niezgoda, in what was his first start for the franchise. However, they were behind at the break, as LAFC scored twice in four minutes through Bradley Wright-Phillips and Mark-Anthony Kaye.

An 81st-minute leveller from Jeremy Ebobisse, his third goal in three matches in the tournament, saw the match finish 2-2, with Portland topping Group F. They will now face surprise package FC Cincinnati in the last 16, in the final match of the round.

Last 16 Fixture: v FC Cincinnati (July 28, 10:30pm ET)

7. Sporting Kansas City (+2)

After losing their first fixture in Orlando, Sporting Kansas City have battled back to win both of their remaining group matches to take top spot in Group D, rounding out this stage with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake.

They got off to a flyer, as Scottish winger Johnny Russell, who has been one of the club’s best players over the last couple of years, scored in the opening minute. Gerso Fernandes got the second, but SKC had to wait a further 85 minutes for it.

The win sees Sporting top Group D and they will now face Vancouver Whitecaps in the round of 16 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando. The Canadian side came through as one of the wild-card teams following a last-day win over Chicago.

Last 16 Fixture: v Vancouver Whitecaps (July 26, 11 pm ET)

6. Philadelphia Union (-2)

The Philadelphia Union had already secured their qualification through to the knockout stages of MLS is Back prior to their final Group A clash, but their match against Orlando City still had the top spot in the group riding on it.

There were two goals in three second-half minutes in an otherwise uninspiring clash, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Philadelphia took the lead through Ilsinho’s 68th-minute strike, but just a couple of minutes later, Pereyra brought the Lions level.

Finishing second in Group A on goal difference behind Orlando sees the Union face off against the New England Revolution, who also came second in their group. The two sides both have eight-point from five games and it could be one of the closer ties in the round.

Last 16 Fixture: New England Revolution (July 25, 10:30 pm ET)