MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers, Orlando City shine ahead of return

MLS Power Rankings: 9. Seattle Sounders (-6)

The MLS is Back showed the frailties of the 2020 Seattle Sounders, as they only just managed to make it through the group stages before being demolished by the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders, Los Angeles FC, in the round of 16.

The current MLS Cup champions were nowhere near their best in Orlando over the last month and would have expected to have gone much deeper into the knockout stages. However, they remain in a good position in the regular-season standings.

Seattle is currently in 5th spot in the Western Conference, thanks to two wins and two draws in their opening five matches of the 2020 campaign. However, they travel to the in-form Portland Timbers this weekend, fresh off the back of lifting the MLS is Back trophy last week.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Portland Timbers (Sunday 23, 10 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 8. Philadelphia Union (-2)

Like several other teams at the MLS is Back tournament, Philadelphia Union went through the group stages unbeaten, winning against New York City FC and Inter Miami CF before drawing with Orlando City in their final group match.

Philly overcame the New England Revolution in the round of 16, before overcoming a strong challenge from Sporting Kansas City. They lost out to the eventual winners, the Portland Timbers, in the semi-finals, but will take confidence into the return of the regular season.

Thanks to those group stage results, the Union now sit inside the top four in the Eastern Conference with eight points from their first five matches of the regular season. They will be looking to improve that this week against their last 16 opponents in Orlando, the Revolution.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ New England Revolution (Thursday 20, 7:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 7. Toronto FC (-3)

Despite topping Group B and remaining unbeaten through those three matches, it was not vintage Toronto FC at MLS is Back. They had a 2-2 draw with D.C. United, before needing four goals to overcome Montreal Impact in a 4-3 thriller. A goalless draw with New England saw them top the group.

However, their run in the tournament came to an abrupt end as New York City FC dispatched them in the round of 16 in Orlando. The 2017 treble winners did return to form at the start of the regular season’s return, though.

In the first of two clashes against Canadian rivals Vancouver within the space of a week, TFC shut the Whitecaps out, winning 3-0 thanks to a brace from Pablo Piatti and a late strike from Nick DeLeon. They now have 12 points from six games and sit in 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Friday 21, 8 pm ET)