MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers, Orlando City shine ahead of return
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 18. FC Cincinnati (+1)
After suffering the fate of finishing as the worst side in Major League Soccer in 2019, FC Cincinnati then lost their opening two fixtures at the start of this season. However, they surprised many by safely qualifying for the knockout stages in Orlando.
They defeated both New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United to finish in 2nd place in Group E, before only losing out on penalties to the eventual tournament winners, Portland Timbers. The Orange and Blue go into the regular season’s return in the eighth spot, only below the playoff line on goal difference. They face D.C. United on Friday evening, knowing that a win would take them into the playoff places.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. D.C. United (Friday 21, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 17. New York City FC (-1)
Ahead of arguably their biggest game of the season so far, New York City FC have been in atrocious form. After losing their first four matches without scoring a goal, they finally grabbed in victory in their last Group A clash in Orlando, which saw them qualify as a wildcard team.
Miraculously, the Sky Blues then downed 2017 treble winners Toronto FC in the last 16 to reach the quarterfinals, but there are still problems there for Ronny Deila’s side. Next up is a Hudson River Derby clash against New York Red Bulls, and a defeat there could signal the beginning of the end for their new coach already.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ New York Red Bulls (Thursday 20, 7 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 16. Montreal Impact (+1)
Ahead of a free week in the schedule, the Montreal Impact have time to relax and recover following their MLS is Back campaign, where they made it through to the knockout stages of the competition after finishing in 3rd spot in Group C.
The Impact lost out to eventual finalists Orlando City in the round of 16 but made a good showing of themselves. They currently sit in the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference and will be hoping to have stayed inside the playoff berths despite not featuring this weekend.
This Week’s Fixtures: –