MLS Power Rankings: Crew rise to the top once again
By Matt Coles
Another week of MLS action is done as Columbus Crew work their way up
There were great weeks for Columbus Crew, LA Galaxy, and the Houston Dynamo. All three sides taking a perfect six points, but for Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls, it was a week to forget as both sides lost their two matches over the past seven days.
The Crew have flown out into a five-point lead at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings. They have also taken the top spot on our MLS Power Rankings once again this week, leapfrogging Toronto, who were on top last week.
Elsewhere, they have been solid moves up the Rankings for the likes of D.C. United, New York City FC, and Minnesota United, after some decent performances.
Here are our MLS Power Rankings after the third full weekend of action since the regular season returned.
MLS Power Rankings: 26. Inter Miami CF (=)
Bottom of the league, bottom of our Power Rankings, but they came through this week unbeaten. Inter Miami may have failed to score in either match they played this week, but they took two points thanks to a pair of goalless draws.
They churned out 0-0 results against both Atlanta United and Nashville SC, taking their points tally for the season to five. They still have just the one win for the season, but with the introduction of Blaise Matuidi, and news on the grapevine of a possible move for Gonzalo Higuain, things could be on the up for the expansion side.
They face Atlanta again this week, before a clash with their Floridian rivals Orlando City SC on Saturday evening. One victory might not be enough to get them off the bottom of the table, but two could see them in the post-season places.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Atlanta United (Wednesday 9, 8 pm ET), @ Orlando City SC (Saturday 12, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 25. Chicago Fire (-1)
It was another poor week for Chicago Fire, as their rebranding and rebuilding season continues. They now have just eight points from ten matches, after only managing to snag a single point from their two games this week.
That came in their first clash, a goalless draw with last year’s expansion side, FC Cincinnati. The Fire were then defeated by New England Revolution on Sunday night, despite a Fabian Herbers goal, losing 2-1.
Chicago only plays once this week but will face the runaway league leaders in Columbus Crew SC, with no real hope of getting a result if they continue to play the way they are doing. They sit in 13th in the East but remain just two points off the playoff places.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Columbus Crew SC (Saturday 12, 7:30 pm ET)