MLS Power Rankings: Toronto move back into top two
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 9. New England Revolution (-2)
Having made continuous moves up the MLS Power Rankings over the last couple of weeks, the Revolution drop a few spots in this week’s edition, following a goalless draw against one of the league’s expansion sides.
New England failed to score against Nashville SC, who have been a surprise package so far this year. They had two-thirds of the possession in the game, but the Revs were unable to break the deadlock, however, they do stay unbeaten, a run that now extends to four matches.
They now occupy 6th spot in the Eastern Conference, but they have a six-point cushion above the playoff line. This week, they face two tricky opponents in all Eastern clashes, doing battle with both Toronto FC and New York City FC.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Toronto FC (Wed 7, 7:30 pm ET), @ New York City FC (Sun 11, 4:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 8. New York City FC (+1)
The Sky Blues took part in a cracker of a match against expansion side Inter Miami CF this weekend, and with a victory, they moved inside the top five in the Eastern Conference. They move up one spot on our Power Rankings this week as well.
NYCFC took an early lead through Alexandru Mitrita but were pegged back through a Lewis Morgan strike for the Floridian side. Anton Tinnerholm then put them back in front, only for Morgan to equalise for a second time. The Romanian forward scored a second just before the break to give the Sky Blues a 3-2, one they would hold on to for the entire second half.
Having moved into the 5th spot into the Eastern Conference standings, New York City will play at home twice this week, against D.C. United and New England Revolution, with the hope of moving even further up the standings.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. D.C. United (Wed 7, 8 pm ET), vs. New England Revolution (Sun 11, 4:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 7. Sporting Kansas City (+1)
After a victory over a Western Conference rival, Sporting Kansas City kept hold of 3rd place in the standings and extended their cushion over the playoff line, which now stands at six points with just a few weeks of the season to go.
Sporting came up against Houston Dynamo at the weekend, and goals either side of the break from their star off-season signing Alan Pulido gave them a comfortable 2-0 lead. They conceded late on but held on for a big three points.
SKC remain four points off the top of the Western Conference and will be expecting at least four points from their two matches this week, as they face the struggling Chicago Fire and expansion side Nashville SC.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Chicago Fire (Wed 7, 8:30 pm ET), vs. Nashville SC (Sun 11, 7:30 pm ET)