MLS Power Rankings: Philadelphia Union and Seattle Sounders both climb
By Matt Coles
This week’s MLS Multiplex Power Rankings see changes up and down the boards
The team that moved the furthest on this week’s MLS Power Rankings are FC Dallas. Just a couple of months ago, the Texan side were in the bottom two after they had to withdraw from the MLS is Back tournament due to a high number of positive COVID-19 tests. Now, though, they have made their way inside the top ten following a great week of action.
The team at the top have kept their position, but there have been some slight alterations in the rest of the top bracket. The 2017 MLS Cup champions, Toronto FC, fall away from the No.2 spot.
Here are our Power Rankings following last week’s action.
MLS Power Rankings: 26. Chicago Fire (-1)
It was another poor week for the Chicago Fire, who make the drop-down to the final spot on our Power Rankings, 26th and last. They are now without a win in their last five matches and remain bottom of the Supporters’ Shield standings.
They conceded four against Orlando City on Saturday evening, with a lone Robert Beric penalty in the 48th minute the only consolation. Chris Mueller, Nani, Junior Urso, and Benji Michel all got on the scoresheet for the Lions.
Chicago are now the only team who are yet to reach double digit points for the season, having taken just 9 from a possible 36 so far. Games against Houston and Atlanta come in the next seven days, and they will be hoping for a vast improvement.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Houston Dynamo (Wed 23, 7:30 pm ET), vs. Atlanta United (Sun 27, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 25. San Jose Earthquakes (-2)
After shipping seven against Seattle last weekend, the ‘Quakes defence was at it again this time around. They lost 6-1 to Portland Timbers, just three days on from securing a point against the same opponent at the same stadium. A Vako goal helped them to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday against the Timbers, but they shipped six more goals on Saturday evening, with a lone strike from Carlos Fierro nowhere near enough.
They face Colorado Rapids and Los Angeles FC this week, knowing that things have to get better at some point. The Earthquakes currently occupy last place in the Western Conference, and will be looking for that to change sooner rather than later.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Colorado Rapids (Wed 23, 9 pm ET), @ Los Angeles FC (Sun 27, 10:30 pm ET)