MLS Power Rankings: Changes galore after Decision Day
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 15. New England Revolution (-3)
A point was all New England needed on Sunday to secure a spot in the top six to make sure that they were through to the First Round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, but they lost out to the eventual Supporters’ Shield winners.
Goals either side of the half-time interval from Sergio Santos and Cory Burke condemned New England to a defeat, while Philadelphia celebrated the title. The loss saw the Revs drop down to 8th in the East.
They also fall three spots on our Power Rankings because of Sunday’s result, and they will now have to do battle against Montreal Impact in the Play-In Round on November 20, just a couple of days on from the end of the international break.
Next Fixture: East Play-In Round (8) vs. (9) Montreal Impact (Fri 20, 6:30 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 14. Nashville SC (-1)
They won on the final day of the season, but Nashville SC drops one spot on our Power Rankings following the conclusion of the regular-season campaign, as they narrowly missed out on a place in the top six in the East.
That came from a narrow defeat in midweek against FC Dallas, in what was the last of their three scheduled games against the Texan side following both teams’ withdrawal from the MLS is Back tournament. The expansion side bounced back to record a come-from-behind win against Orlando City, with goals from Daniel Lovitz, Hany Mukhtar, and Jhonder Cadiz giving them a 3-2 win.
Despite the last day win, they fell just short of achieving a place in the top six and they will carry the No.7 tag into the post-season. The Tennessee-based side will host fellow expansion side Inter Miami CF in the Eastern Conference Play-In Round on November 20.
Next Fixture: East Play-In Round (7) vs. (10) Inter Miami CF (Fri 20, 9 pm ET)
MLS Power Rankings: 13. Los Angeles FC (-2)
It could have been a week where the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders took a spot in the top four if results went their way, but they had to play their part. Taking just a single point from their two matches saw them fall down to the No.7 seed instead.
Despite having a man more than San Jose for half an hour on Wednesday evening, Los Angeles FC fell to a sickening 3-2 defeat at Avaya Stadium. They bounced back to take the lead early against Portland on ‘Decision Day’, but a late equaliser saw them drop down the Western standings.
Having now lost their Supporters’ Shield crown, Bob Bradley’s side will have to travel to CenturyLink Field after the international break to take on the reigning MLS Cup champions, Seattle Sounders, for a place in the Conference Semi-Finals.
Next Fixture: West First Round (7) @ (2) Seattle Sounders