MLS Power Rankings: Crew rise to the top once again
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 9. LA Galaxy (+6)
Having struggled through the opening part of the campaign, LA Galaxy looks to have found some form at the right time. They have convincingly made their way into the top five in the West after two great wins this week.
It started in midweek, as goals from Cristian Pavon and Joe Corona, along with Efrain Alvarez’s first-ever MLS goal, gave then a 3-2 victory over Portland Timbers. They then carried that momentum into the ‘El Trafico’ derby, defeating LAFC 3-0.
A Sebastian Lletget double and a second goal of the week for Pavon gave the Galaxy a comfortable win, and they have now moved into 4th spot in the Western Conference. This weekend, they face another Californian rival in San Jose, as they visit Earthquakes Stadium on Sunday night.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ San Jose Earthquakes (Sunday 13, 11 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 8. Minnesota United (+1)
It was a tale of two very different performances and results for Minnesota United this week. They came away from their two matches with one win and one defeat but moved back inside the top three in the West.
It started on Wednesday evening, with a resounding loss in Houston, as the Dynamo scored three times without reply. However, the Loons bounced back on Sunday, as they scored four unanswered goals against Real Salt Lake.
A Robin Lod brace was added to by Jacori Hayes and Chase Gasper, as the Loons moved back up to 3rd in the Western Conference. They are the only top-placed team to play twice this week, with clashes against FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City over the next seven days.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. FC Dallas (Wednesday 9, 8 pm ET), @ Sporting Kansas City (Sunday 13, 8:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 7. Portland Timbers (-1)
Like Minnesota, the week started badly for the Portland Timbers. They succumbed to a defeat in midweek, but Giovanni Savarese’s side bounced back to record their first victory since they took the MLS is Back title, and it came over a big rival.
Their loss in the week came against five-time MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy, despite goals from Felipe Mora and Diego Valeri, as they lost 3-2. They responded with a victory over Cascadia Cup rivals Seattle Sounders, with another goal from Mora, and a strike from Eryk Williamson, as they took a 2-1 win.
The Timbers are one of three sides on 14 points in the West, along with Minnesota United and the Galaxy, with Portland sitting in 5th spot, just three off the lead. They face a tricky test this week, though, as they go on the road to visit Banc of California Stadium, where they will face the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders, Los Angeles FC.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Los Angeles FC (Sunday 13, 11 pm ET)