MLS Power Rankings: Change to PPG sees Colorado Rapids rise

MLS Power Rankings: 3. Portland Timbers (+2)

Portland Timbers make a move up into the top three of our Power Rankings this week, following a pair of solid victories, which sees them move to the top of the Western Conference by just 0.01 PPG over their nearest rivals.

An early double from Jaroslaw Niezgoda, along with a Diego Valeri penalty and strikes from Eryk Williamson and Andy Polo, saw Portland run riot against the Galaxy, winning 5-2. A lone strike from Yimmi Chara gave the Timbers a 1-0 win over Vancouver to round out their perfect week, one that sees them sit at the top of the Western Conference standings.

They have a PPG of 1.81, just narrowly ahead of Sporting Kansas City and Seattle, but if they were to win both of their matches this week, against Colorado Rapids and Los Angeles FC, then the Timbers will take the top seed into the playoffs. Two wins could also see them clinch the Supporters’ Shield, should results go their way elsewhere.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. Colorado Rapids (Wed 4, 10 pm ET), @ Los Angeles FC (Sun 8, 6:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 2. Toronto FC (=)

The Canadian side suffered a tight loss in midweek but were able to bounce back with the victory on Sunday to put themselves back into the fight for the Supporters’ Shield title with just one game to go on ‘Decision Day’.

A lone goal from Jesus Medina gave New York City FC the victory at Rentschler Field on Wednesday night. On Sunday, TFC were able to fight back from going a goal down against Inter Miami CF, with Ayo Akinola and Alejandro Pozuelo scoring second-half goals to give the 2017 MLS Cup winners a 2-1 victory.

They sit behind Philadelphia Union in the table on goal difference only, with both sides averaging 2 PPG through 22 regular-season matches. Toronto have to better the Union’s result on ‘Decision Day’, where they take on New York Red Bulls.

This Week’s Fixtures: @ New York Red Bulls (Sun 8, 3:30 pm ET)

MLS Power Rankings: 1. Philadelphia Union (=)

One win, one defeat for the Philadelphia Union this week, but they keep hold of the top spot in both the Supporters’ Shield standings and our Power Rankings, but the top two could not be closer with a week to go in the season.

Goals from Kacper Przybyłko and Cory Burke helped them to a 2-1 victory over ten-men Chicago Fire on Wednesday evening, before they lost out by the same scoreline to long-time league leaders Columbus Crew at the weekend, despite a goal from Jamiro Monteiro.

The Union currently have an average of 2 PPG, the same as Toronto FC, so it will all come down to the final match on Sunday. Beat New England in the afternoon, and the Union takes the league title. Anything less, and the 2017 treble-winners have the chance to snatch it away.

This Week’s Fixtures: vs. New England Revolution (Sun 8, 3:30 pm ET)