MLS Power Rankings: Teams falter, new team lands on top
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 18. FC Dallas (+5)
One of the biggest movers on this week’s edition of the Power Rankings are FC Dallas, as they jump up five places after a confident victory over Minnesota United. A side who had been one of the teams of the season so far.
Two goals in two minutes gave the Texan side a commanding lead, with Fafa Picault and Jesus Ferreira scoring in the 11th and 12th, respectively. The Loons pulled one back, but a late Reto Ziegler penalty put the game to bed, with FCD taking all three points.
They now sit in 6th spot in the Western Conference, just two points behind Minnesota now, who occupy 3rd place. FC Dallas have just a single fixture this week, where they face the team that tops the West, Sporting Kansas City.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Sporting Kansas City (Wednesday 2, 8:30 pm ET)
17. Atlanta United (-4)
It was another poor showing from Atlanta United this week, as they have now won just once in their last five league games. This includes those three defeats without a goal at the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando.
It was the mini competition’s hosts that were the victors against the Five Stripes this week, as Orlando City SC scored three times at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take a comfortable win. Brooks Lennon did strike for Atlanta but that was the only positive from the game.
The Five Stripes will face Orlando again this weekend, this time on the road. Before that, they host expansion side Inter Miami CF, who remain bottom of the table. Atlanta are currently sitting just outside the playoff places in the Eastern Conference, in the 8th spot.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Inter Miami CF (Wednesday 2, 7 pm ET), @ Orlando City SC (Saturday 5, 8 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 16. New York City FC (+2)
After struggling so much through the first part of the season, and going through their first four games without even finding the back of the net. New York City FC seems to have found something, as they took a full six points from their week’s action.
They would not have expected to win their first game, as that came against the Supporters’ Shield leaders Columbus Crew SC. However, an Alexander Ring strike in the 59th minute was enough to seal the victory. They then won again at the weekend, with Ring scoring once more. Keaton Parks and Anton Tinnerholm also got on the scoresheet as they defeated Chicago Fire 3-1.
The double win sees Ronny Deila’s side make the move up to 9th in the Eastern Conference, and they now sit just a point below the playoff places. They face the New England Revolution and D.C. United this week, looking to continue this fine form.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ New England Revolution (Wednesday 2, 8 pm ET), @ D.C. United (Sunday 6, 7 pm ET)