MLS Power Rankings: Changes galore after Decision Day
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 6. Seattle Sounders (=)
They did everything they needed to on ‘Decision Day’, but it was a poor result in midweek that meant Seattle Sounders were unable to finish top of the Western Conference, as they go in pursuit of a third MLS Cup triumph in five seasons.
They needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Raul Ruidiaz to level their game with LA Galaxy on Wednesday night, and they were ultimately the result which stopped them from finishing as the No.1 seed in the West. The Sounders put four past San Jose on Sunday, with Nicolas Lodeiro, Jordan Morris, and Ruidiaz on the scoresheet, but they finished the regular season in 2nd spot.
They remain just inside the top six on our Power Rankings following the conclusion of the regular season, and they will face last year’s record-breaking Supporters’ Shield winners, Los Angeles FC, in the First Round of the playoffs in mid-November.
Next Fixture: West First Round (2) vs. (7) Los Angeles FC
MLS Power Rankings: 5. Orlando City SC (=)
They had a top-three spot in the palm of their hands come ‘Decision Day’, needing just a point from their final match. However, it was not to be. Orlando still finished 4th in the East and retain a spot in the top five of our Power Rankings, though.
Goals from Christopher Mueller and Benji Michel helped Orlando to what could have been a vital victory over the Crew in midweek, but that momentum was lost on Sunday, as a 3-2 loss to Nashville SC, conceding twice in the final five minutes, saw them fall to 4th in the East.
The Lions will face No.5 seed New York City FC in the First Round of the playoff in the Eastern Conference, with the winner advancing to the Conference Semi-Finals at the turn of the month.
Next Fixture: East First Round (4) vs. (5) New York City FC
MLS Power Rankings: 4. Columbus Crew SC (=)
The Crew recovered from a damaging defeat in midweek to leapfrog Orlando City and take 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference on ‘Decision Day’, thanks to a solid win over the 2018 MLS Cup champions.
The week started badly for the Yellow and Black, as they lost to Orlando in the battle for 3rd in the East, with a Harrison Afful goal only a consolation in a 2-1 defeat. Goals from Lucas Zelarayan and Gyasi Zardes helped them to a 2-1 win over Atlanta on Sunday, and with Orlando on the wrong end of a 3-2 defeat in Nashville, the Crew moved back into the top three.
Thanks to that move on ‘Decision Day’, Columbus will now host the New York Red Bulls when the international break has concluded, with the winner moving into the Conference Semi-Finals in the East.
Next Fixture: East First Round (3) vs. (6) New York Red Bulls