MLS Power Rankings: 24. Inter Miami CF (+2)
It has taken six matches, but Inter Miami have finally taken their first victory of the 2020 MLS season, their debut campaign, thanks to a 3-2 win over Floridian rivals Orlando City SC on Saturday night.
Julian Carranza scored his first two goals in Major League Soccer in the first half, with a Rodolfo Pizarro strike in the second stanza being enough to see the new-boys through to their first win of the year.
Thanks to the victory, and the three points, they have moved off the bottom of the Supporters’ Shield standings, leaving New York City FC now in the 26th and final spot. They face off against 2018 MLS Cup winners Atlanta United on Wednesday, before an all-expansion match with Nashville SC on Sunday evening.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs Atlanta United (Wednesday 26, 8 pm ET), @ Nashville SC (Sunday 30, 8:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 23. FC Dallas (+3)
After struggling in their two matches with Nashville SC as they try to catch up on games missed from the MLS is Back tournament, FC Dallas faced off against their bitter rivals Houston Dynamo in the latest installment of the Texas Derby.
If it wasn’t for goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, they would have lost this match by some margin, as their shot-stopper pulled off a series of saves throughout the clash, making six overall. He easily kept the Dynamo from hitting the back of his net.
After three matches in ten days, in which FCD has only managed to take two points, they will be looking to improve with two more fixtures this week. They’ll be going against Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United which will be some interesting matches to watch.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs Colorado Rapids (Wednesday 26, 8:30 pm ET), vs Minnesota United (Saturday 29, 8:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 22. Houston Dynamo (=)
Six games into the 2020 Major League Soccer season and Houston Dynamo are still looking for their first victory under new head coach Tab Ramos, but they were the better side in the Texas Derby on Friday evening.
It wasn’t for the want of trying though, as Houston recorded 17 shots in the match, but they failed to find the back of the net for a third game running. They were without Mauro Manotas and Boniek Garcia, both key members of the side.
The Dynamo now sit bottom of the Western Conference following this clash and are still without a victory. It does not get easier for them this week, either, as they face the team flying high at the top, Sporting Kansas City.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Sporting Kansas City (Tuesday 25, 8:30 pm ET)