MLS Power Rankings: Change to PPG sees Colorado Rapids rise
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 18. Montreal Impact (-1)
The Impact have now lost four of their last five matches and are trending in the wrong direction at exactly the wrong time following a pair of 1-0 losses this week, as they also failed to get on the scoresheet across 180 minutes of action.
Randall Leal scored the only goal of the game as they lost to Nashville SC on Tuesday evening, while a first-half Daryl Dike goal gave Orlando City the victory on Sunday night, condemning Montreal to another loss.
The Impact face D.C. United on Sunday afternoon, ‘Decision Day’, knowing that a victory will assure them of a place in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs on the new PPG ruling. They face D.C. United, who currently sit in 13th in the extended Eastern Conference, knowing that the side from the capital have to win to have any chance.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ D.C. United (Sun 8, 3:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 17. Vancouver Whitecaps (-2)
Two matches against Cascadian rivals, two defeats against those Cascadian rivals. It was not a good week for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who had the chance to secure a playoff spot with the change to PPG but failed to do so.
Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro both scored in the early part of the second half to give the Sounders victory over Vancouver, before a Yimmi Chara strike helped Portland to a 1-0 victory, with the Whitecaps failing to score across their 180 minutes of action this week.
Despite the two defeats, they are still in with a shout of reaching the playoffs, but they need plenty of help from elsewhere, along with a big win over the LA Galaxy on Sunday night. A win and they could just about squeeze into the playoffs.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. LA Galaxy (Sun 8, 6:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 16. San Jose Earthquakes (=)
The Earthquakes remain in the No.16 spot on our Power Rankings this week following just a single game after their scheduled clash with Los Angeles FC on Sunday evening was postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test amongst the player pool.
Their lone game came against Real Salt Lake, where two goals from Chris Wondolowski, in possibly his final home game for the side, helped them to a 2-0 victory, and kept their post-season hopes alive.
The ‘Quakes occupy 8th spot in the West, the final playoff berth, and know that a win on Sunday against the Seattle Sounders will assure them of a place in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Any less and they may be looking for help from further afield.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Seattle Sounders (Sun 8, 6:30 pm ET)