2021 MLS Final Eastern Conference Power Rankings

The Outsiders

6: Orlando City (13-12-9), 51 points

Orlando looked as if they might be the team to beat this season after the first ten games, losing only once as they scored 18 times while conceding seven. Since Orlando’s start though, the squad has been wildly inconsistent, having won back-to-back games just once the remainder of the season.

The responsibility of carrying Orlando through the playoffs will fall on its attack. Specifically, winger Nani, midfielder Mauricio Pereyra, and striker Daryl Dike. Between those three are 21 goals and 15 assists, with all having played less than 30 games.

7: New York Red Bulls (13-9-12), 48 points

There is a youth movement sweeping New York soccer. Like their neighbors, Red Bulls have an incredibly young squad that makes their crosstown rivals look like Rugrats! All Grown Up.

An average age of 22.9 means head coach Gerhard Struber gets to coach the league’s youngest team.

This team may lack experience, but they make up for it in sheer talent. Teenagers Caden Clark and John Tolkin each performed well in their first full professional seasons, with Clark landing a transfer to RB Leipzig and Tolkin catching European eyes.

Meanwhile, both 24-year olds Patryk Klimala and Fabio formed a bright partnership combining for 13 goals and 13 assists to slip Red Bulls into the playoffs.