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

MLS Power Rankings: 6. Orlando City SC (=)

In the latest edition of the Floridian derby between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC, it was the latter who secured the victory. They maintain the 6th spot on our Power Rankings.

The Lions went in front through an own goal first of all,  before a Mauricio Pereyra winner put them in front for a second time following a Brek Shea equaliser. They only managed three shots on target in the match, but are now unbeaten in their last five matches.

Thanks to that run, Orlando sit in 4th in the Eastern Conference, just five points behind Supporters’ Shield leaders Columbus Crew. The Lions will face Chicago Fire on Saturday evening, knowing that a win could take them into the top two in the East.

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

MLS Power Rankings: 5. Seattle Sounders (=)

The Seattle Sounders only played once this week, but boy did they make up for that, as they scored seven times in the opening hour of their Thursday evening clash with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Jordan Morris opened the scoring after just four minutes, and from then on, it was an onslaught. Both Raul Ruidiaz and Joevin Jones scored twice, with Kelvin Leerdam and Joao Paulo also getting their names on the scoresheet at CenturyLink Field.

With the win, they made the move up to 2nd in the Western Conference, and sit just a couple of points behind leaders Sporting Kansas City. They face a tricky test this week, as they host reigning Supporters’ Shield holders Los Angeles FC on Friday evening. A win here will take them to the top of the Conference, even if only for 18 hours or so.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Los Angeles FC (Fri 18, 10 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 4. Sporting Kansas City (=)

They held on to a top spot in the Western Conference thanks to a close victory against Minnesota United. The battle between the top two in the West did not disappoint, with both sides having plenty of chances throughout the 90 minutes.

Despite all the chances, SKC were the only side to break the deadlock, with Johnny Russell’s 80th minute strike enough for them to take all three points. Those points keep them top of the West for at least another week.

They remain in 4th spot on the Power Rankings and could see themselves falling behind Seattle before they even play next weekend. They will do battle with FC Dallas a day after the Sounders play on Friday.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. FC Dallas (Sat 19, 3:30 pm ET)