MLS Power Rankings: Changes galore after Decision Day
By Matt Coles
MLS Power Rankings: 3. Sporting Kansas City (+4)
Moving up four spots on our Power Rankings following the final week of the regular-season are Sporting Kansas City, who did everything they needed to claim the top seed in the Western Conference.
After seeing results fall their way in midweek, SKC knew a victory would be enough for them on Sunday evening, and thanks to goals from Khiry Shelton and Erik Hurtado either side of the interval, that’s what they managed to do.
The win saw them finish with a PPG of 1.86, 0.09 clear of the Sounders at the top of the West. They will take the No.1 tag into the post-season, and will face the No.8 seed San Jose Earthquakes in the First Round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Next Fixture: West First Round (1) vs. (8) San Jose Earthquakes
MLS Power Rankings: 2. Toronto FC (=)
Going into the final day of the regular season, Toronto FC knew that they had the chance to lift the Supporters’ Shield for the second time in four seasons, but they had to win. They failed to do so on Sunday afternoon though.
Early goals from Tom Barlow and Brian White gave New York Red Bulls a two-goal lead that they would not relinquish. Tsubasa Endoh got one back for the 2017 treble-winners, but they lost in the Big Apple 2-1.
The defeat sees them finish as the No.2 seed in the East, and they will play the highest seed that advances from the Play-In Round in the Eastern Conference. They will host either Nashville SC, New England Revolution, or Montreal Impact.
Next Fixture: East First Round (2) vs. Highest seed from Play-In Round (NSH, NE, or MTL)
MLS Power Rankings: 1. Philadelphia Union (=)
There was a key battle at the top of the table on ‘Decision Day, as Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union both had a shot at the Supporters’ Shield. The Union knew that a win would give them the trophy, and that’s exactly what they did.
The Union faced New England Revolution, and with a 100% record at home coming into their ‘Decision Day’ clash, they were confident of securing the result they needed. Goals either side of the break from Sergio Santos and Cory Burke gave them a convincing 2-0 win, and the chance to lift the Supporters’ Shield trophy.
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They could face the Revs again in the first round of the playoffs, depending on who wins the two ties on November 20. The Union will be at home and will play either New England, Montreal Impact, or Inter Miami CF.
Next Fixture: East First Round (1) vs. Lowest seed from Play-In Round (NE, MTL, or MIA)