MLS Power Rankings: Columbus Crew Take Top Spot
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 15. D.C. United (=)
Six points through six matches, it has not been vintage from D.C. United. They struggled to a goalless draw against last year’s basement side FC Cincinnati at the weekend, failing to really test Przemyslaw Tyton throughout the 90 minutes.
The side from capital did hit the woodwork just eight minutes into the contest. Donovan Pines got his head on to a cross from Julian Gressel, but the ball glanced the crossbar on its way over the top.
D.C. will look to get back to winning ways this week against New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union. They fully know a win could see them finish the weekend inside the playoff places in the Eastern Conference.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs New England Revolution (Tuesday 25, 7 pm ET), @ Philadelphia Union (Saturday 29, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 14. New York Red Bulls (=)
A victory over their biggest rivals, a clean sheet, and into the top three in the Eastern Conference, Friday was a good evening for the New York Red Bulls. Mostly thanks to Kyle Duncan’s goal against New York City FC.
The Red Bulls came into the Hudson River Derby knowing their cross-city rivals were in bad form, and they compounded that misery after a Video Review deemed the ball to have crossed the line. This ruling gave Kyle Duncan the only goal of the game.
The victory sees the Bulls move into the top three in the Eastern Conference, and they will go into a tough week of fixtures. They have matches against Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution, with confidence.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Philadelphia Union (Tuesday 25, 7:30 pm ET), @ New England Revolution (Saturday 29, 8 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 13. Atlanta United (=)
In their first match after getting rid of former head coach Frank de Boer, Atlanta United responded with a victory, their first since before the MLS is Back tournament was held in Orlando over the last six weeks.
A double from Pity Martinez, with a goal scored in the latter stages of each period of play, was enough to give the Five Stripes the victory over Nashville SC. However, they did see Fernando Meza hobble off, while Ezequiel Barco missed the match through injury.
The win sees them move into the top four in the Eastern Conference with nine points, but they remain seven points behind leaders Columbus Crew after six matches. Atlanta faces Inter Miami and Orlando City this week, with the two Floridian sides having differing fortunes so far in 2020.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Inter Miami CF (Wednesday 26, 8 pm ET), vs Orlando City SC (Saturday 29, 3:30 pm ET)