MLS Power Rankings: Top three clubs maintain position

MLS Power Rankings: 6. Orlando City SC (+1)

Two matches against New York-based opposition, two 1-1 draws. Most importantly, though, Orlando City have qualified for the playoffs for the first time in their six-year Major League Soccer history!

Chris Mueller scored early on against New York City FC on Wednesday evening, but a Keaton Parks equaliser was enough for the Sky Blues to spoil the party. Once again, the Lions took the lead on Sunday against the Red Bulls, this time through Nani, but conceded in the 95th minute to let a victory slip out of their hands.

Despite dropping two points at the weekend, Orlando are into the post-season for the first time in their short history, but will still be looking for more than the No.4 seed. They are nine points of league-leading Toronto as well stand, with a game against Floridian rivals Inter Miami CF on Saturday afternoon.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Inter Miami CF (Sat 24, 3:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 5. Portland Timbers (-1)

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Having been on such a great run of form, this week would have been a disappointment for the Timbers, as they could only take a single point from their two matches against Western Conference opposition.

They started with a 2-1 loss in Salt Lake City, as goals from Douglas Martinez and Damir Kreilach gave RSL the win, despite Bill Tuiloma’s late goal.

They thought they had all three points against LAFC thanks to a Jeremy Ebobisse goal, but the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders equalised in the dying embers of the game.

That lone point keeps Portland in 2nd in the Western Conference, but they have now played a game more than the Sounders, who also happen to be their opposition this week. A win on Thursday would put the Timbers in with a real shot of being the No.1 seed come post-season time.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Seattle Sounders (Thu 22, 10:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 4. Seattle Sounders (+1)

Due to the issues with the Colorado Rapids and their ongoing COVID-19 problems, the Sounder’s first game of the week was canceled, and they only featured at the weekend against the San Jose Earthquakes.

That game finished goalless, but the Sounders remain top of the Western Conference, and now have a game in hand on their rivals, hence why they have moved up one spot and ahead of Portland on our Power Rankings. They face the Timbers this week, in what could be a winner takes the West match-up on Thursday night.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Portland Timbers (Thu 22, 10:30 pm ET)