MLS Power Rankings: Columbus Crew Take Top Spot
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 18. New York City FC (-1)
A poor start to the 2020 season continued for New York City FC at the weekend, as they lost out in the Hudson River Derby against bitter rivals New York Red Bulls, with Ronny Deila’s side failing to score once again.
The Sky Blues had the best of the game early on, but they were unable to find the back of the net for the fourth time in their six regular-season matches so far. However, they were undone by a rare error from goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
The shot-stopper allowed the ball to go through him, and after a Video Review, the ball was deemed to have crossed the line. The result now sees NYCFC sit bottom of the Eastern Conference after Inter Miami’s victory, and it does not get any easier, with a clash against top of the table Columbus Crew up next.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs Columbus Crew SC (Monday 24, 7 pm ET), vs Chicago Fire (Saturday 29, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 17. LA Galaxy (+4)
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend came in the latest installment of the ‘El Trafico’ derby, as LA Galaxy, who had sat bottom of the Western Conference, got the better of last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners, and intra-city rivals, Los Angeles FC.
Goals either side of half time from Ethan Zubak and Sebastian Lletget gave the Galaxy the victory, their first of the 2020 campaign. It brought them revenge following the drubbing they were at the end of their rivals at the MLS is Back tournament, where they lost 6-2.
Thanks to the win, the Galaxy are off the bottom of the Western Conference but remain well outside the playoff places. They sit in 11th spot in the West, and face two teams inside the top seven this week, with matches at home against Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs Seattle Sounders (Wednesday 26, 10:30 pm ET), vs San Jose Earthquakes (Saturday 29, 10:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 16. Montreal Impact (=)
As one of two sides not to play this week, Montreal have had more time to rest and recover from the MLS is Back tournament, before clashes against both Canadian rivals this week. They face Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday, before a meeting with Toronto FC on Friday.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs Vancouver Whitecaps (Tuesday 25, 8 pm ET), vs Toronto FC (Friday 28, 8 pm ET)