MLS Power Rankings: A new club takes the top spot
By Matt Coles
We have a new team at the top of our MLS Power Rankings this week
Both Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union have overtaken the Columbus Crew to sit in the top two spots this week following perfect six-point weeks for the Eastern Conference sides. The Crew meanwhile only played once, and lost, dropping down to 3rd spot.
Elsewhere, the ongoing COVID-19 issues keep plaguing Colorado Rapids. They saw their two games this week postponed, and the league has already moved their supposed matches this week as well, so it could be a full month since the Rapids last hit the field before they play again, scheduled for October 24.
As a result, they have dropped several spots down our Power Rankings this week. Minnesota and FC Dallas, and Orlando and Columbus also saw their games postponed this week due to positive COVID-19 test, but hopefully nothing as serious as what is going on in the Rockies right now.
Here are our MLS Power Rankings following the last week’s action.
MLS Power Rankings: 26. D.C. United (=)
What else can be said about the side from the capital? As seasons in MLS go, this could go down as one of the worst in the league’s 25-year history, as they continue their horrendous run of form.
They may have scored in both of their matches this week, but they conceded six and lost both. First came a 4-1 defeat in New York against the Sky Blues, before a 2-1 defeat to Chicago at the weekend. Ola Kamara was the only D.C. player on the scoresheet.
They face the Union and FC Cincinnati this week, knowing that it is pretty much make-or-break for their season right now. The side from the capital sits at the bottom of the Supporters’ Shield standings, seven points off the playoffs, having taken just 11 points from their 17 regular-season matches.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Philadelphia Union (Wed 14, 8 pm ET), @ FC Cincinnati (Sun 18, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 25. FC Cincinnati (-1)
Two games, two defeats, four goals conceded, no goals scored. It was not the best week for FC Cincinnati, whose struggles continue in their second season in the top flight of American soccer. They drop a place on our Power Rankings this week.
Ilsinho, Alejandro Bedoya, and Jack Elliot but the 2019 expansion side to the sword on Wednesday, as the Union won 3-0, before a lone Patrick Mullins goal was enough for Toronto to take all three points at the weekend.
This week could be exactly what they need though. They do battle with their main league rivals, Columbus Crew, in a Hell Is Real derby, before facing the worst team in the league, D.C. United, at the weekend.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Columbus Crew SC (Wed 14, 7:30 pm ET), vs. D.C. United (Sun 18, 7:30 pm ET)