MLS Power Rankings: Top six remain unchanged with new teams in midfield
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 12. New York City FC (+1)
Just staying above their rivals from across the Hudson River are New York City FC, whose good run of form continues. This week, they had just the one game, but overcame a tricky test in last year’s expansion side, FC Cincinnati.
The Sky Blues started the season in terrible form, losing their first four matches, but since then, they have taken 16 points from a possible 21, including a 2-1 win over the Orange and Blue. Goals from Alexander Ring and Anton Tinnerholm gave them the W.
NYCFC made the move into the top six in the Eastern Conference with the three points and will face the New England Revolution in their one match-up this week. A win here could take them into the top five of the standings.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ New England Revolution (Sat 19, 4:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 11. Montreal Impact (=)
It was a mixed week for the Montreal Impact, who retain 11th spot on our Power Rankings after playing both of their Canadian rivals. There were varying results, as a loss on Wednesday was forgotten about thanks to a great performance at the weekend.
A late Jozy Altidore strike saw them lose out to Toronto FC in midweek, having looked like they would take at least a point away from the game. They bounced back, though, with a comfortable 4-2 win over Vancouver. Goals from Orji Okwonkwo, Saphir Taider, Samuel Piette, and Romell Quioto gave them the big win they needed.
The Impact now sits inside the top five in the Eastern Conference, but remain eight points off the top with the rapid pace being set out front. They face Vancouver once more on Wednesday, before playing an opponent from south of the border for the first time since the restart, with the Union making the trip north at the weekend.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Vancouver Whitecaps (Wed 16, 9:30 pm ET), vs. Philadelphia Union (Sun 20, 7 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 10. Los Angeles FC (=)
Holding on to the last spot in the top ten are Los Angeles FC, who had a mixed week, following a heavy defeat on Wednesday evening. They battled back to take a win on Sunday thanks to a strong performance over the Timbers.
Damir Kreilach, Justin Meram, and Albert Rusnak all scored for Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, with the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders unable to reply in a 3-0 defeat. They responded at the weekend, scoring four times against the Timbers, with Mark-Anthony Kaye, Diego Rossi, Bradley Wright-Phillips, and Danny Musovski all on the scoresheet.
That win took them back inside the top four in the Western Conference, and despite a slow start, they are just five points off the top of the table. LAFC faces the current MLS Cup champions on Friday evening in the showpiece match of the week, with Seattle Sounders the visitors to the Banc of California Stadium.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Seattle Sounders (Fri 18, 10 pm ET)