MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers breach the top six
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 24. San Jose Earthquakes (+1)
Another week, another game where the San Jose Earthquakes get hammered. However, this week they followed up a heavy defeat with a great victory on the road at the home of the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions.
The ‘Quakes shipped five goals on Wednesday in Colorado, with Cole Bassett, Jonathan Lewis, Nicolas Mezquida, and Andre Shinyashiki all on the scoresheet, along with an own goal. They bounced back to win 2-1 against LAFC on Sunday, though, thanks to strikes in the last ten minutes from Shea Salinas and Jackson Yueill.
Despite the three points they earned at the weekend, San Jose remains at the bottom of the Western Conference, but they are only four points off the playoff places. They face LA Galaxy at the weekend, knowing a win would take them ahead of their ‘California Clasico’ rivals.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. LA Galaxy (Sat 3, 10:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 23. FC Cincinnati (-1)
Last year’s expansion side has shown bits of quality here and there, but have been unable to sustain it for a long period of time. FC Cincinnati drops down one place to the No.23 spot on this week’s listings.
They played out a goalless draw with Philadelphia Union on Wednesday evening, earning a point against one of the best sides in the league. However, that was followed by a 4-0 capitulation against New York City FC. Alexandru Mitrita scored twice, with Anton Tinnrholm and Jesus Medina also getting their names on the scoresheet.
FCC currently occupy 12th spot in the extended Eastern Conference, sitting a couple of places outside the playoff positions. A win against Minnesota United, who themselves are struggling for form, at the weekend could see them move as high as 9th in the standings.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Minnesota United (Sat 3, 8 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 22. Atlanta United (+2)
After winning the 2018 MLS Cup, things just haven’t clicked for Atlanta United. Add to that the losses of Josef Martinez through injury and Pity Martinez through transfer, and the Five Stripes are struggling massively. However, they do make a move up our MLS Power Rankings this week, climbing two spots.
That comes courtesy of a midweek victory over FC Dallas, where they ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Jeff Larentowicz second-half penalty. However, they then lost 2-0 at the hands of the Chicago Fire on Sunday, with Fabian Herbers and Robert Beric the scorers.
The Five Stripes now sit outside the playoff places in the Eastern Conference in 11th but will face bottom side D.C. United on Saturday in their lone game this week. A win could take them as high as 8th come the end of the weekend.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ D.C. United (Sat 3, 7 pm ET)