MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers breach the top six
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 6. Portland Timbers (+2)
Two games, two 1-0 victories. It has been an efficient week for the Portland Timbers, who have put themselves back in a very strong position. They now sit in the 2nd spot in the Western Conference and in a great run of form having won three of their last four.
The Timbers faced both of their Cascadian rivals over the last seven days, with Yimmi Chara getting the only goal of the game on Wednesday evening as they overcame reigning MLS champions Seattle Sounders. A fifth minute Felipe Mora strike was all they needed against Vancouver on Sunday to make it a perfect six-point week.
They are now unbeaten in their last four, and are only in 2nd place on goal difference in the West, behind the Sounders. They might have the chance to take spot with a victory at the weekend, as they face Colorado Rapids on home soil at Providence Park.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Colorado Rapids (Sat 3, 11 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 5. Orlando City SC (=)
Two games, one win, four points, and a man sent off. Orlando City had an up-and-down week but were able to come through to extend their unbeaten run in the league to eight games. In doing so, they keep the pressure on the top three in the East.
They faced a tricky test in midweek against Sporting Kansas City but came through with the W thanks to goals from Tesho Akindele and Benji Michel in the first half. They then saw Jhegson Mendez sent off in their Sunday game against FC Dallas but were able to hold on for a goalless draw.
The Lions keep their 4th spot in the Eastern Conference and are now just four points off the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings. They face the in-form New York Red Bulls this week, in one of the clashes of the weekend.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. New York Red Bulls (Sat 3, 4 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 4. Seattle Sounders (=)
They only managed to take three points from their two matches this week, but the Seattle Sounders have maintained their position as the leading side in the Western Conference. Mostly thanks to a comfortable victory over the weekend.
Their double game week started with a clash against Cascadia Cup rivals Portland Timbers on Wednesday, but they fell to a 1-0 defeat. The Rave Green bounced back on Sunday, though, with a Cristian Roldan brace sandwiching a strike from Jordan Morris, as they downed LA Galaxy 3-1.
The win keeps them top of the West on goal difference, with the Sounders having scored the most and conceded the least in the Conference. They also have a game in hand over their nearest rivals. Seattle plays just once this week, against their other Cascadian rivals, Vancouver Whitecaps.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Sat 3, 10 pm ET)