MLS Power Rankings: Toronto move back into top two

MLS Power Rankings: 18. Real Salt Lake (-3)

After the third defeat in their last five regular-season matches, Real Salt Lake are now only just holding on to a playoff place in the Western Conference. This comes following a 3-1 loss to the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders.

First half goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Diego Rossi put LAFC in front in the match, before Brian Rodriguez scored after the break to make it a three-goal lead. RSL got on the board through an own goal, but they were always falling to defeat.

Now sitting in 8th spot, the final post-season berth in the West, their next seven days sees them face two tricky tests on the Pacific seaboard. They travel to Seattle in the week before moving north to Vancouver for a Saturday night match-up.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Seattle Sounders (Wed 7, 10 pm ET), @ Vancouver Whitecaps (Sat 10, 10 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 17. Montreal Impact (=)

After suffering a run of four straight defeats in the regular season, the Montreal Impact managed to stop the rot on Saturday night. They drew 2-2 with the improving Chicago Fire to maintain a post-season berth for now.

Goals either side of the break from Lassi Lappalainen and Maximiliano Urruti gave the Impact the lead after they had conceded an early Robert Beric goal. The Canadian side were unable to hold on to the lead, though, with the match ending 2-2.

The point keeps Montreal inside the all-important top ten in the Eastern Conference, but they face the toughest of weeks. They travel to league-leaders Columbus Crew in midweek, before a clash against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday. Any points are welcome for Montreal after the run they have been on recently.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Columbus Crew SC (Wed 7, 7:30 pm ET), @ Philadelphia Union (Sun 11, 7:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 16. Atlanta United (+6)

The biggest risers on this week’s Power Rankings are 2018 MLS Cup champions Atlanta United, who finally found a way to win without either of the two Martinez’s. They defeated D.C. United resoundingly, winning 4-0.

A double from Jon Gallagher, along with further striker from Brooks Lennon and Adam Jahn gave the Five Stripes the four-goal victory, with D.C.’s misery being compounded further with a late red card.

Atlanta will look to continue that momentum through to this week’s matches, as they face Eastern Conference rivals Orlando City and New York Red Bulls. They will be focused on holding on to the playoff place they have now grabbed hold of.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Orlando City (Wed 7, 7 pm ET), vs. New York Red Bulls (Sat 10, 6 pm ET)