MLS Power Rankings: Columbus Crew Take Top Spot
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 21. Colorado Rapids (-2)
After taking a first-half lead against Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapid would not have been expecting the second half that came their way on Saturday night, as four unanswered goals saw RSL take an easy win.
They went in front just before the half time interval through an Aaron Herrera own goal, but following the break, things changed completely. Goals from Damir Kreilach, Maikel Chang, Corey Baird, and Justin Meram saw the Rapids fall to defeat.
After winning their first two games back in March, the Rapids have taken just a single point since then, and have seven from their opening six matches of 2020. They sit outside the playoffs and will face FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City this week.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ FC Dallas (Wednesday 26, 8:30 pm ET), vs Sporting Kansas City (Saturday 29, 9 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 20. Vancouver Whitecaps (=)
For the second time in less than a week, Vancouver Whitecaps fell to a defeat against Canadian rivals Toronto FC, but they performed better this time around, conceding just a single goal. However, that was enough to see them lose.
In their first clash with Toronto last week, they lost 3-0. It looked like this clash could go the same way, as a 15th minute Richie Laryea strike gave the 2017 treble-winners an early lead. Unfortunately, that would be the only goal.
After this defeat, the Whitecaps now sit in 9th spot in the Western Conference, two points off the playoff spots, but having already played a game more than the team inside the top seven bubble.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Montreal Impact (Tuesday 25, 8 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 19. FC Cincinnati (-1)
It has taken three matches in the ‘proper regular-season’, but FC Cincinnati have taken their first point, following on from grabbing six points from their three group games at the MLS is Back tournament.
They played out a goalless draw with D.C. United, with neither side creating too many chances. They did strike the post in the 84th minute, as Jurgen Locadia’s strike narrowly failed to find the back of the D.C. goal.
With the point, the Orange and Blue now have seven points from their six matches in the 2020 season, and sit in 8th spot in the Eastern Conference, behind Montreal on only goal difference. They face Chicago Fire and Supporters’ Shield leaders Columbus Crew in their two matches this week.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Chicago Fire (Tuesday 25, 7:30 pm ET), vs Columbus Crew SC (Saturday 29, 7:30 pm ET)