MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers, Orlando City shine ahead of return
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 12. Real Salt Lake (-1)
Another side who come into the return of regular-season action sitting outside the playoff places is Real Salt Lake, who is currently ninth in the 12-team Western Conference, with six points from their opening five matches.
They managed to make it through to the knockout stages in Orlando, just after finishing in 3rd spot in the hotly-contested Group D, but they then shipped five goals against the San Jose Earthquakes. They return to action with a clash against the Colorado Rapids, who finished bottom of the same group in Orlando.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Colorado Rapids (Saturday 22, 9 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 11. San Jose Earthquakes (+1)
Thanks to getting the better of Real Salt Lake in the last 16 in Orlando, the San Jose Earthquakes move above them and into 11th spot on our Power Rankings ahead of the first full weekend of MLS action in over five months.
The Quakes came top of Group B to secure their passage into the knockout stages, before putting five past Real Salt Lake. However, they came unstuck against Minnesota United, conceding four times in their quarterfinal clash with the Loons. San Jose does not feature this week and will have more time to rest and recover ahead of their first game, which comes next weekend.
This Week’s Fixtures: –
MLS Power Rankings: 10. New England Revolution (=)
The Revs could only make it into the round of 16 in the knockout stages of the MLS is Back tournament, as they fell to eventual semi-finalists Philadelphia Union at the first hurdle in Orlando. Still, they keep a spot inside the top ten on our Power Rankings.
New England made it into the knockout stages following a 2nd place finish in Group C, and they will be looking to continue that form into the return of the regular season, as they currently sit in 9th spot in the extended 14-team Eastern Conference. They face off against the Union on Thursday, looking for revenge from that round of 16 tie.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Philadelphia Union (Thursday 20, 7:30 pm ET)