MLS Power Rankings: Change to PPG sees Colorado Rapids rise
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 15. Colorado Rapids (+7)
They only won one of their two matches this week, but the change from just points to PPG suited the Colorado Rapids perfectly, and because of that, they jump up to seven spots on our Power Rankings this week.
They lost 2-1 to Minnesota United in midweek thanks to an 89th-minute own goal, but they bounced back to defeat the reigning MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders on Sunday evening. Goals from Andre Shinyashiki, Keegan Rosenberry, and Cole Bassett gave them a convincing 3-1 win.
With the win and the change to PPG, the Rapids now occupy 7th spot in the Western Conference. All they need from their last two games is a point, but they do face the high-flying Portland in midweek. They then play Houston Dynamo on ‘Decision Day’.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Portland Timbers (Wed 4, 10 pm ET), @ Houston Dynamo (Sun 8, 6:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 14. New York Red Bulls (-1)
The Red Bulls took a win and a loss from their two matches this week, whilst securing a berth in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs after the change to PPG. However, they drop a place on our Power Rankings due to the nature of their weekend loss.
The week started well as a win over New England, thanks to a goal from Aaron Long in the 89th minute, assured them of a post-season spot. Brian White and Cristian Casseres then scored for the bulls against intra-city rivals New York City FC, but the Sky Blues found the net five times on Sunday for a huge win.
The Bulls currently occupy 8th spot, and it is as low as they can fall come ‘Decision Day’ so they are assured of a home tie in the possible preliminary round of the playoffs. However, a win against the high-flying Toronto FC on Sunday could see them move inside the top six and assure themselves of a spot in the last eight.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Toronto FC (Sun 8, 3:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 13. Nashville SC (+1)
Four points from their two games this week, a playoff spot secured in their debut campaign in Major League Soccer, and moving into the top half of our Power Rankings for the first time. All in a week’s work for Nashville SC.
A first-half strike from Randall Leal gave them a 1-0 victory against Montreal on Tuesday evening, before they drew 1-1 with Chicago Fire on Saturday night, with Daniel Armando Rios getting his name on the scoresheet.
Those four points assured them of a post-season spot, but it could get even better for the Tennessee-based side. They face FC Dallas and Orlando City SC this week, knowing that two wins could see them into the top six in the Eastern Conference, and definitely through to the Conference quarters.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. FC Dallas (Wed 4, 8:30 pm ET), @ Orlando City SC (Sun 8, 3:30 pm ET)