MLS Power Rankings: Top three clubs maintain position

MLS Power Rankings: 3. Columbus Crew SC (=)

Although they only managed to take three points from their two matches this week, the Columbus Crew were celebrating, as that victory saw them clinch their place in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

They fell to a surprising defeat in the Hell is Real derby on Wednesday evening, as goals from Yuya Kubo and Nick Hagglund were too much, as they fell to a second straight 2-1 defeat in the league. However, the Crew bounced back to assure themselves of a post-season berth thanks to goals from Artur, Pedro Santos, and Gyasi Zardes, as they defeated New York City FC 3-1.

With a playoff place assured, the Crew will be able to relax slightly, but they still have intentions on topping the Eastern Conference. They are currently seven points behind Toronto, with a game against Houston coming this week. It is a must-win if they want the top spot.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Houston Dynamo (Sat 24, 8 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 2. Philadelphia Union (=)

The Union maintained their title challenge over the course of the week, thanks to picking up four points from their two matches, including a Monday night victory which saw them guarantee themselves a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

They started the week with a 2-2 draw in the capital. Anthony Fontana gave them the lead, but after a D.C. turnaround, the Union required an 87th-minute equaliser from Mark McKenzie to rescue a point. Fontana scored again on Monday night, with an own goal helping them to a 2-1 victory on the road in New England.

Philadelphia remains in the 2nd spot in the Eastern Conference, and sit just three points behind Toronto FC at the top of the table. They pay the Canadian side this weekend, and a win would see them take the top spot in goal difference.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Toronto FC (Sat 24, 7:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 1. Toronto FC (=)

Four points from their two games this week, and Toronto FC have extended their unbeaten run to nine games, along with keeping the chasing pack at bay as they aim to finish the regular season at the top of the standings.

Alejandro Pozuelo got them off to a good start with a 23rd-minute penalty against New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night, but they were pegged back by a Caden Clark screamer, with the game ending 1-1. It looked like it would be two draws in four days, but an 89th minute from Pablo Piatti gave the Canadian side a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United.

Toronto holds a three-point lead over Philadelphia, who are their nearest rivals for both the Eastern Conference and the league title. They face the Union this week, and a win would see them take a huge step to secure the No.1 seed in the East.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ Philadelphia Union (Sat 24, 7:30 pm ET)