MLS Power Rankings: Change to PPG sees Colorado Rapids rise
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 12. New England Revolution (-3)
Despite grabbing a great victory at the weekend, the New England Revolution drop three places on our Power Rankings, as the change from the usual standings to PPG saw them slide down the playoff places.
The Revs’ first game of the week came in New York against the Red Bulls, where an 89th-minute winner from Aaron Long condemned New England to defeat. They then had to come from behind twice to defeat D.C. United 4-3 on Sunday, with a double from Teal Bunbury, along with an own goal and an early Adam Buksa strike helping them to a victory.
New England did slide down the Eastern Conference standings, but they are guaranteed a place in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. They face the table-topping Philadelphia Union on ‘Decision Day’ knowing that 8th place is as low as they can fall.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Philadelphia Union (Sun 8, 3:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 11. Los Angeles FC (-1)
Also dropping a place down our Power Rankings despite a victory this week are Los Angeles FC who, like the Revolution, were affected in an adverse way from the change to PPG in the regular-season standings.
They only played once this week, with their game against San Jose at the weekend called off due to positive COVID-19 tests. Their midweek match came against the Houston Dynamo, where strikes from Diego Rossi and Eddie Segura helped them to a 2-1 win.
The Black and Gold will be the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders for just one more week, but they could bag themselves a top-four finish in the Western Conference if results elsewhere go their way. They need a win against Portland Timbers on Sunday to do that though.
This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Portland Timbers (Sun 8, 6:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 10. FC Dallas (+1)
It has been the perfect week for FC Dallas, as they took a full six points from their two-match slate, along with securing qualification to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Oh, and they took a win in the all-important Texas Derby as well!
Second-half goals from Franco Jara and Ryan Hollingshead saw FC Dallas overturn a deficit against Inter Miami to take the three points, before they scored three goals without reply against Houston on Saturday, with Jara on the scoresheet again. Fafa Picault scored twice in their second victory of the week.
The two victories have moved the Texan side into the top six in the Western Conference, with a record of 1.55 points-per-game. They are assured of a place in the playoffs but will be looking for a spot in the top four to secure a home tie in the first round. They face Nashville SC in midweek before doing battle with Minnesota United on ‘Decision Day’ next Sunday.
This Week’s Fixtures: @ Nashville SC (Wed 4, 8:30 pm ET), @ Minnesota United (Sun 8, 6:30 pm ET)