MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers, Orlando City shine ahead of return
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 24. FC Dallas (+1)
Having missed the MLS is Back tournament after multiple positive COVID-19 tests before the competition starting, FC Dallas was at a disadvantage, hence why they dropped so far down the Power Rankings.
They have since played twice against Nashville SC, bringing their regular-season matches tally to four, just one behind the rest of the field ahead of the return to action. However, they could only manage a single point from those two matches, and they now have five points and currently sit in 10th in the West. A win over Texas Derby rivals Houston this week could see them move into the playoff places.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Houston Dynamo (Friday 21, 8 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 23. Chicago Fire (=)
The MLS is Back tournament did not go to plan for Chicago Fire, as they ended the group stages as the worst side in Group B, finishing below San Jose, Seattle, and Vancouver, but they did secure their first win of the season.
However, as the regular-season returns, the Fire have just four points from their opening five matches of 2020 and face an in-form Columbus Crew who are yet to lose in the league so far. Thursday night will very much be an uphill task for Chicago.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Columbus Crew (Thursday 20, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 22. Houston Dynamo (=)
With just three points from their opening five regular-season matches, and without a win to their name, the Houston Dynamo have not set the world alight at the start of 2020. They failed to make it out of Group F in Orlando as well, unsurprisingly.
Only two sides have a worse record than the Dynamo as the regular-season returns, with LA Galaxy and Inter Miami the only sides below them in the Supporters’ Shield standings. A derby game against FC Dallas comes on Friday evening, and a win would take Houston above their Texan rivals.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. FC Dallas (Friday 21, 8 pm ET)