MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers breach the top six
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 12. FC Dallas (-3)
Another side sliding down this week’s MLS Power Rankings are FC Dallas, with the Texan side having climbed more places than any other team over a couple of weeks. However, they failed to score in both of their matches this time around.
That run started on Wednesday evening in a clash against the struggling Atlanta United. A 55th-minute penalty from Jeff Larentowicz condemned FCD to a defeat. They failed to score once again in their clash with Orlando at the weekend, but could only come away with a 0-0 draw.
It does not get any easier for the Texan side, as they face the league-leading Columbus Crew in their lone fixture this week. They still sit inside the top four in the Western Conference despite the poor week, and a win next time out could see them move inside the top three.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Columbus Crew (Sat 3, 8:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 11. Minnesota United (-4)
Dropping four places on this week’s rankings are Minnesota United, as the Loons continue to struggle for form. They took were ale to take just a single point from their two matches this week, as they also slide down the Western Conference standings.
They faced the toughest test of all on Wednesday, going up against runaway league leaders Columbus Crew. They scored late on through Robin Lod but lost out 2-1. Minnesota did get a point against Real Salt Lake following a goalless draw but are now without a win in their last four matches.
They will be aiming to put that right this weekend, as they do battle with 2019 expansion side FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening. The Loons have slipped down to 6th in the West, but a win on Saturday could see them move as high up as 3rd.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. FC Cincinnati (Sat 3, 8 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 10. New York Red Bulls (+8)
Jumping up eight positions on our MLS Power Rankings this week are the New York Red Bulls, as their double victory week sees them take the final spot in the top ten. They scored eight times in two games, winning both 4-1.
They faced Inter Miami on Wednesday evening, with goals from Mandela Egbo, Brian White, Ben Mines, and Daniel Royer seeing them through to a comfortable victory. They fell behind against Montreal, but a double from Tom Barlow, along with another Royer goal, and a late Alejandro Romero strike, gave them another solid 4-1 win.
With those six points, they now sit level on points with their intra-city rivals New York City FC. They are currently 7th in the Eastern Conference, ten points off the top of the table. They face Orlando City SC in a crunch Eastern tie this week.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Orlando City SC (Sat 3, 4 pm ET)