MLS Power Rankings: Changes galore after Decision Day
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 24. D.C. United (-1)
They had the chance to qualify, they had a lead on two separate occasions, but D.C. United ultimately failed in their quest of a playoff place, after seeing the Impact come from behind to take all three points on the final day.
The side from the capital led early through Donovan Pines, and then again after Ola Kamara scored before the break to make it 2-1. However, they conceded twice in the final twenty minutes to lose any chance of making it into the post-season. Instead, D.C. finished in 13th in the Eastern Conference, with only FC Cincinnati below them.
MLS Power Rankings: 23. Atlanta United (-2)
Going into the final day of the season, Atlanta United still had a slim chance of making it into the Eastern Conference playoff picture, but they had to win. They didn’t, losing 2-1 on the road, and seeing their playoff chances disappear.
Despite a penalty from Marcelino Moreno on the hour mark, Atlanta lost to Columbus Crew, and things got worse late on as Franco Escobar was sent off. The Five Stripes’ season is not over though, as their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final against Club America continues in mid-December. However, they a 3-0 down after the first leg.
MLS Power Rankings: 22. Real Salt Lake (+2)
Coming into the final week of the season, RSL were one of three sides that were mathematically out of the running. Going into the final day, that had already accumulated to five, and although they would have wanted to finish on a high note, Real Salt Lake fell to the eventual top seed in the West.
Goals from Khiry Shelton and Erik Hurtado gave Sporting Kansas City a 2-0 victory on ‘Decision Day’. With the defeat, Real Salt Lake ended the campaign in 11th in the truncated Western Conference, 0.3 PPG off the final post-season berth.