MLS Power Rankings: Portland Timbers breach the top six
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 3. Toronto FC (=)
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TFC took a perfect six points from their two matches this past week, and they were not easy games to win either. The Canadian side got the better of the Sky Blues before then overcoming the current league leaders on Sunday evening.
A stoppage-time penalty from Alejandro Pozuelo was the only goal of the game between Toronto and New York City FC on Wednesday evening, with the Spaniard also scoring against Columbus Crew over the weekend.
He scored the second, with Jozy Altidore and Richie Laryea getting their name on the scoresheet, as TFC came from behind to beat the Crew 3-1.
With the two victories, Toronto have moved to within just a couple of points of the Crew at the top of both the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings. They face off against another side right up there this weekend, doing battle with Philadelphia Union on Saturday evening.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Philadelphia Union (Sat 3, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 2. Philadelphia Union (=)
Four points from their two fixtures this week saw the Philadelphia Union make a move closer to the top of the table. They played two of the expansion sides from the last couple of seasons, earning a win and a draw this week.
The Union started with a goalless draw against FC Cincinnati in the week, before putting three past Inter Miami at the weekend. Goals from Anthony Fontana, Ilsinho, and Brenden Aaronson gave them a 3-0 win, their fourth victory in their last five regular-season clashes.
From two expansion sides in the space of a week to the only ever treble-winning side in the league. Philadelphia will face off against 2017 MLS Cup winners Toronto FC on Saturday night, with both sides knowing a place at the top of the league standings could be up for grabs.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Toronto FC (Sat 3, 7:30 pm ET)
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MLS Power Rankings: 1. Columbus Crew SC (=)
It was not the best of weeks for the Columbus Crew, as they could only take three points from their two matches. They did face two sides sitting inside the top ten of the Supporters’ Shield standings this week.
Goals from Lucas Zelarayan and Pedro Santos gave them a comfortable 2-1 victory over Minnesota United on Wednesday. However, they then lost out at the weekend to 2017 treble-winners Toronto FC, conceding three times.
The Crew maintains top spot in the Supporters’ Shield standings and in the Eastern Conference. They will face FC Dallas on Saturday evening, with the aim of defeating the Texan side to keep hold of their slender lead at the top.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ FC Dallas (Sat 3, 8:30 pm ET)