MLS Power Rankings: A new club takes the top spot
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 21. Colorado Rapids (-7)
It has gone from bad to worse this week for the Colorado Rapids, as they saw both matches against the Los Angeles based sides postponed due to further positive COVID-19 tests.
The Rapids have also seen this week’s matches postponed, which has extended the list to seven matches. Their next fixture is scheduled to take place on October 24, which would be a month after they last took the field. Because of the issues, they drop seven places on our Power Rankings this week.
This Week’s Fixtures: Postponed due to COVID-19, next fixture scheduled for October 24
MLS Power Rankings: 20. Vancouver Whitecaps (+2)
It was a week that started so badly for the Vancouver Whitecaps, as they conceded three without reply in midweek. They did however bounce back to defeat a Western Conference rival on Sunday evening, moving then up two spots on our Power Rankings this week.
They lost 3-0 to San Jose on Wednesday, with Cristian Espinoza, Andres Rios, and Paul Marie on the scoresheet. More importantly for Vancouver, they saw both Andy Rose and Erik Godoy sent off. Despite not having two key players at the weekend, they downed Real Salt Lake in a come-from-behind victory, with an own goal and a Lucas Cavallini strike giving them a 2-1 win.
That keeps them in 10th place in the West, and they sit just a point below the red line in the Conference. They play both LA-based sides this week and will be looking to that game against the Galaxy as their main source of points.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Los Angeles FC (Wed 14, 10 pm ET), @ LA Galaxy (Sun 18, 10:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 19. Houston Dynamo (+2)
It was another win-loss week for the Houston Dynamo over the last seven days, but they did take bragging rights in the Texan Derby once more, following a victory over their biggest rivals on Wednesday evening.
Despite going a man down before the break, goals from Darwin Quintero and Darwin Ceren gave the Dynamo a 2-0 win over FC Dallas. However, they then lost out to Inter Miami CF on Sunday, with a Lewis Morgan penalty enough to take the three points for the Floridian side.
Houston now occupies 9th spot in the truncated Western Conference, but with games against Nashville SC and Minnesota United coming this week, they will feel confident that they can take points to move into the post-season berths.
This Week’s Fixtures: v. Nashville SC (Wed 14, 8 pm ET), @ Minnesota United (Sun 18, 8 pm ET)