MLS Power Rankings: Top six remain unchanged with new teams in midfield

MLS Power Rankings: 21. Vancouver Whitecaps (=)

Following another big defeat, the Vancouver Whitecaps have now slipped to the bottom of the Western Conference, with just nine points from ten games. They lost out in another clash with a Canadian rival on Sunday evening.

The Whitecaps faced off against Montreal Impact and went in front through Theo Bair’s 7th minute strike. However, they then conceded four goals without reply and lost Lucas Cavallini to a red card. Vancouver scored late but lost out 4-2 in the end.

They sit bottom of the West after this result, but play twice this coming week, with two wins possibly seeing them move inside the playoff places. They face Montreal once more, before visiting Salt Lake City next weekend.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Montreal Impact (Wed 16, 9:30 pm ET), @ Real Salt Lake (Sat 19, 9:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 20. D.C. United (=)

Just the one match this week for the side from the nation’s capital, but D.C. United were unable to take a point from it, or even score, as they lost out 2-0 to New York Red Bulls at Audi Field on Saturday evening.

They maintain the 20th spot on our Power Rankings despite the defeat, one in which they managed five shots on target, but none of those could find the back of the net. Goals from Daniel Royer and Aaron Long gave the Bulls the 2-0 win.

D.C. now sit in 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, just a point outside the playoff places, but their recent form will be a concern. Especially as their next class comes against the 2017 treble-winners, Toronto FC, who are currently 2nd in the Supporters’ Shield standings.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Toronto FC (Sat 19, 7:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 19. Nashville SC (+5)

So far, they have nailed down their position as the best expansion side of the season. Nashville SC scored four times against the 2018 MLS Cup champions on Saturday evening and took a resounding victory as they moved into the playoff berths for the first time.

Goals at regular intervals from Dominique Badji, Hany Mukhtar, Dax McCarty, and Abu Danladi saw the Tennessee-based side through to victory. Their first goal came in the opening minute of the clash.

They now sit inside the post-season places in 9th in the Eastern Conference and will be looking above them and not below on their current form. A result against the league-leading Columbus Crew next weekend will show that they are the real deal.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Columbus Crew SC (Sat 19, 7:30 pm ET)