MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers, Orlando City shine ahead of return
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 3. Columbus Crew SC (+1)
Top of the Supporters’ Shield standings having won four and drawn one of their opening five matches to the regular-season, Columbus Crew have been flying high so far in 2020, and they move into the top three on our Power Rankings.
The Crew was the only side to win all three of their group matches at the MLS is Back tournament, overcoming challenges from FC Cincinnati, New York Red Bulls, and Atlanta United, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
They only lost out to Minnesota United in a penalty shootout, and therefore are still yet to lose a match in 90 minutes in 2020. They will aim to continue that run, and their run at the top of the table, with a win over Chicago on Thursday evening.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Chicago Fire (Thursday 20, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 2. Portland Timbers (+6)
The side that won the MLS is Back tournament was the Portland Timbers, after a solid display in the final against Orlando City. Their experienced captain, and 2017 MLS MVP, Diego Valeri, was the key to their victory, as he provided the assist for the first goal, before taking the corner kick that led to the second.
The Timbers went unbeaten throughout the entire tournament in Orlando, with the seven points gained from their three matches in Group E, also seeing them move into the top three in the Western Conference ahead of the return of regular-season action.
Portland sits in the third spot, behind only Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City, with the latter sitting just two points ahead of the Timbers in the top spot. Giovanni Savarese’s side has just under a week before their next fixtures, which comes against the reigning MLS Cup champions, Seattle Sounders. A tough return for the MLS is Back winners.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Seattle Sounders (Sunday 23, 10 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 1. Los Angeles FC (+1)
They might not have gone all the way at the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando, but Los Angeles FC remains at the top of our Power Rankings for one straightforward reason. If Carlos Vela returns to their squad, they have the current league MVP back.
With the Mexican back alongside Diego Rossi, who finished the MLS is Back tournament as the top goalscorer with seven strikes in just five matches, then the most potent attack in the league is once again reunited.
The Black and Gold also play their biggest rivals in their first match back in the regular-season. They face a home game against LA Galaxy, who are currently bottom of the Western Conference, having taken just two points from their opening five league games.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. LA Galaxy (Saturday 22, 6 pm ET)
