MLS Power Rankings: Changes galore after Decision Day
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 18. Inter Miami CF (+4)
What a ‘Decision Day’ it was for Inter Miami CF, who booked their playoff spot at the very last chance, making it two expansion sides in the post-season ahead of the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Coming into the final day of the regular season, the Floridian side knew they had to win to have a chance, and even if they did, things would have to go their way elsewhere. Mikey Ambrose and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez put them two goals up against FC Cincinnati early on, and they held on for victory, despite a red card for Andres Reyes late on.
The win saw them climb up into 10th in the Eastern Conference, booking themselves a playoff spot in their debut campaign. They will do battle with their fellow expansion brothers, Nashville SC, in the Play-In Round, for a place in the First Round proper come the end of November.
Next Fixture: East Play-In Round (10) @ (7) Nashville SC (Fri 20, 9 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 17. Montreal Impact (+1)
Another side that had to win if they were to secure a place in the post-season on the final day of the campaign were Montreal Impact, who came from behind to take all three points against the side from the capital.
Despite an early Bojan Krkic strike, the visitors to Audi Field found themselves 2-1 behind with 20 minutes to play. However, Victor Wanyama and Romell Quioto scored late for the Canadian side to seal a post-season berth.
The Impact will take the No.9 seed into the Play-In Round in the Eastern Conference, where they will travel to face the No.8 seed New England Revolution. The winner of that will face either Toronto or Philadelphia just a few days later.
Next Fixture: East Play-In Round (9) @ (8) New England Revolution (Fri 20, 6:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 16. San Jose Earthquakes (=)
It was very much a tale of two different performances for San Jose Earthquakes in the final week of the season, as they played in two five-goal affairs, taking a big win in midweek before losing heavily on ‘Decision Day’.
Despite going down to ten men with half an hour to play, the ‘Quakes, through an own goal and strikes from Chris Wondolowski and Cristian Espinoza, held on to beat Los Angeles FC 3-2. They already have a playoff spot secured, but they suffered a 4-1 defeat against Seattle on the final day of the campaign, leaving them as the No.8 seed.
The Earthquakes face the trickiest test in the First Round of the Western Conference playoffs, as they will travel to the No.1 seed Sporting Kansas City for their clash. It would be a huge upset if San Jose were to win to advance.
Next Fixture: West First Round (8) @ (1) Sporting Kansas City