MLS Power Rankings: Columbus Crew Take Top Spot
By Matt Coles
The latest MLS Power Rankings are in following the first full weekend of action
There were plenty of shocks and surprises when it comes to the latest MLS Power Rankings throughout the weekend. None more so than in ‘El Trafico’ as reigning Supporters’ Shield holders Los Angeles FC lost out in comfortable fashion to intra-city rivals LA Galaxy.
In the battle of the two title-winners, MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders scored three late goals to down MLS is Back champions Portland Timbers. While Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City made their moves to the top of the Power Rankings while staying ahead of the field in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Here are our Power Rankings ahead of the second full weekend of action since the MLS regular season returned.
MLS Power Rankings: 26. Chicago Fire (-3)
It was another bad weekend for the Chicago Fire, as they conceded three goals, scored none, and were on the end of a resounding performance from the Columbus Crew, but the Fire had their chances in the match.
They should have taken the lead in the 17th minute but Przemyslaw Frankowski put his effort wide of the post. Just three minutes later, the Crew broke the deadlock through Derrick Etienne Jr’s 20th-minute strike. Chicago conceded twice more, with Darlington Nagbe and Gyasi Zardes netting in the final ten minutes.
The Fire now sits in 12th in the Eastern Conference with just four points from their opening six matches of the 2020 campaign, but they have opportunities in the coming week. They face FC Cincinnati and New York City FC, two sides that have shown weaknesses this season.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs FC Cincinnati (Tuesday 25, 7:30 pm ET), @ New York City FC (Saturday 29, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 25. Nashville SC (=)
After taking four points from two games against FC Dallas prior to the full return of the regular-season, Nashville SC were unable to capitalize on that momentum against Atlanta United and fell to defeat.
The Tennessee side had the better of the action throughout the majority of the match, and outshout the host side, but were unable to find a way past Brad Guzan in the Atlanta goal. A double from Pity Martinez was enough to see this year’s expansion side lose out.
NSC now sits in 11th in the Eastern Conference, three points off the playoff line, and they face both Floridian sides this week. They start with a trip to the in-form Orlando City before hosting fellow expansion side Inter Miami on Sunday.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Orlando City SC (Wednesday 26, 7:30 pm ET), vs Inter Miami CF (Sunday 30, 8:30 pm ET)