MLS Power Rankings: Top three clubs maintain position
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 9. New York City FC (-1)
The Sky Blues drop one place on the MLS Multiplex Power Rankings this week, after only managing to take a single point from their two matches, in what could have been a week which saw them clinch a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for another season.
Keaton Parks scored their only goal of the game in a 1-1 draw with Orlando in midweek, before they were beaten convincingly by Columbus Crew on Sunday evening. Valentin Castellanos got on the scoresheet, but NYCFC lost out 3-1.
They dropped down to 6th in the Eastern Conference following those two results, but know a win on Saturday against Montreal Impact could be enough to see them secure a playoff spot. There is plenty of time yet for the Sky Blues to make it in.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Montreal Impact (Sat 24, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 8. New England Revolution (+1)
Despite a Monday night loss to the Union, the Revolution have moved up one place on our Power Rankings this week thanks to a big win in midweek, which has seen them get to within a touching distance of securing a playoff spot.
First-half goals from Kekuta Manneh and Teal Bunbury, along with an Adam Buksa strike just after the break, was enough to see off Montreal in a 3-2 victory. They faltered at the weekend, as an own goal saw them lose out to the Union 2-1, despite Tajon Buchanan’s late goal.
The Revs sit in 5th spot and are the highest placed team in the Eastern Conference whoa re yet to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. A win over Nashville one Friday night could see that change, though.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Nashville SC (Fri 23, 8:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 7. Sporting Kansas City (-1)
In a week where even a single victory would have seen Sporting Kansas City take top spot in the Western Conference, they faltered again, and could only take a point away from their games with FC Dallas and Chicago Fire over the past seven days.
A lone goal from Ryan Hollingshead condemned Sporting to a 1-0 defeat on the road in Texans on Wednesday evening, before they drew 2-2 in Chicago. They went in front twice, through Erik Hurtado and Gadi Kinda, but were pegged back both times.
They face the Rapids this week, in what could be Colorado’s first game in five weeks. That could be a good thing for SKC, as they will be the more match-ready of the two sides, but it could end up being another Colorado match that gets called off due to more COVID-19 implications.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Colorado Rapids (Sat 24, 8:30 pm ET)