MLS Power Rankings: Philadelphia Union soar after huge win
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 6. Sporting Kansas City (+1)
It could have been a very difficult fixture to prepare for, but Sporting Kansas City were able to overcome the returning Colorado Rapids in convincing style, as the Rapids played their first game for over a month.
After a goalless first half, Alan Pulido, Andreu Fontas, Gadi Kinda, and Gerso Fernandes all got their names on the scoresheet in the second period of the game to help SKC to a comfortable 4-0 victory, as Colorado finally got their season back underway following six postponed games due to COVID-19 implications.
With the win, Sporting have taken over as the Western Conference leaders again, as the three-way battle between themselves, Seattle, and Portland rages on. Sporting will face FC Cincinnati and Minnesota United this week, aiming for six points to keep them on the top of the pile.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ FC Cincinnati (Wed 28, 6:30 pm ET), vs. Minnesota United (Sun 1, 7:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 5. Portland Timbers (=)
Thursday night saw the big Western Conference game of the weekend, as the top two went head-to-head. Portland traveled to Seattle to face the Sounders and came away with a 1-1 draw from CenturyLink Field.
They will be disappointed with the result, though, as they held the lead for over 80 minutes following an early Andres Flores goal which gave them the advantage. Seattle equalised deep into stoppage time to earn a point.
Both sides have been overtaken by Sporting at the top of the Conference, and both sides face Vancouver this week. The Timbers do battle with the Galaxy on Wednesday before hosting the Whitecaps at the weekend.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. LA Galaxy (Wed 28, 9 pm ET), vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Sun 1, 10 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 4. Seattle Sounders (=)
The Sounders know that they got away with one on Thursday evening, having spent so long in arrears against the Timbers. They have lost top spot in the West, and are now without a win in their last three matches.
Following a 3-1 loss to LAFC and a goalless draw with San Jose, Seattle really needed a win against Portland but fell behind early. They rescued a point at the very end of the contest, as Will Bruin equalised in the 93rd minute.
They now sit a point behind Sporting Kansas City at the top of the Western Conference, but the Sounders have a game in hand on the sides around them, which could help them to top spot come the end of the regular season. They face Vancouver and Colorado this week and will be expecting two wins.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Vancouver Whitecaps (Tue 27, 9 pm ET), @ Colorado Rapids (Sun 1, 9 pm ET)