Heading into Week 6 of the MLS season, the Seattle Sounders are the clear-cut, dominant side of the league. After that, it is a blur of sides that all could be MLS Cup contenders but clearly aren’t the quality of the Sounders.
As far as the MLS Power Rankings, there’s the Seattle Sounders, then there is every one else. It is that simple.
A look at the Power Rankings for Week 6 of the MLS season presented by ‘MLS Multiplex.’
Top Five MLS Cup Contenders
1. Seattle Sounders – There is consensus here, right? The most dominant team in the league. Disappointing 1-1 home draw with Atlanta United and questions about their centerback situation exist. But still the best team in MLS…by quite a bit…to start the year.
2. Columbus Crew – A road win at New York City FC took a bit of magic via two late goals from Lucas Zelarayán. But the Crew are a balanced and deep side, one that is well built to handle the rigors of the MLS season but also make a deep playoff run. Some will say this is too high. We say to just wait. Or we’ll delete this post, whichever comes first.
3. New England Revolution – Don’t be surprised if, by year’s end, the Revolution are atop MLS and winners of the Supporters Shield (especially after that new deal for Carles Gil). This is a good team with youth, experience and balance. A 3-1 win over the 10-man New York Red Bulls underscored their ability.
4. Sporting Kansas City – Coming off a 3-1 win at the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, there is plenty to like about this team. This team is still coming together but seems a bit uneven.
5. LA FC – Don’t cringe. Just 2-2-2 on the year, Bob Bradley’s club aren’t world beaters, But with Carlos Vela back (fingers crossed) this team could be ready to take off. Was very strong in the first half of a 2-1 home win this weekend against the Colorado Rapids. Beat a very good and solid New York City FC this weekend and we’re geniuses. Don’t, and we’re deleting this post.
The Next Five
6. Philadelphia Union
7. LA Galaxy
8. Orlando City
9. Portland Timbers
10. New York City FC
Playoff Potential…but No Hardware
11. Atlanta United
12. Colorado Rapids
13. Nashville SC
14. Toronto FC
15. Minnesota United
16. CF Montreal
17. FC Dallas
Some (Serious) Work Needs to be Done Here
18. New York Red Bulls
19. Real Salt Lake
20. Houston Dynamo
21. Austin FC
22. San Jose Earthquakes
23. Inter Miami
Fans Are Asking for Social Distancing to Continue
24. Chicago FC
25. DC United
26. FC Cincinnati
27. Vancouver Whitecaps