There were only six MLS games on the schedule this weekend but that doesn’t mean fans were not treated to some drama. And there’s been a slight shakeup in our Power Rankings.
10. D.C. United (🆕)
In a weekend full of draws, D.C. United were one of just two teams to walk away with all three points after the final whistle.
Quick-fire goals from MLS Golden Boot leader Christian Benteke and Gabriel Pirani were enough to beat Chicago Fire. Then, they managed to see off the hosts with only 34% possession of the ball, keeping their playoff hopes intact.
9. Seattle Sounders (🆕)
Another introduction to our rankings is on the west as Seattle Sounders pumped four beyond the 10-man Columbus Crew.
Sure, having midfielder Sean Zawadzki act as the opposition goalkeeper helped, but four goals inside a tough atmosphere on the road is still quite the achievement. And it handed Seattle a playoff lifeline, too.
8. Houston Dynamo (👍 last rank: 10)
The first side to improve in our top 10 list wears an orange as bright as their future.
Tasked with facing Western Conference giants LAFC back-to-back, Houston walked away with four points. They not only beat Hugo Lloris in the net but also held some impressive attacking talents to no goals over 180 minutes. Back-to-back performances that earn them a boost.
7. Real Salt Lake (no movement)
Without a game this week and already in seventh in our standings, Real Salt Lake managed not to be knocked off or down by the weekend’s impressive clubs. Looking ahead in the calendar, they face the side just beneath them with a trip to Houston on Saturday.
6. Colorado Rapids (no movement)
The Rapids are another side that maintains their position in our standings after earning some rest. Unfortunately, results elsewhere could not propel them into the top half. Colorado now hosts a feisty Portland Timbers side on the weekend.
5. LAFC (👎 last rank: 4)
One of two giants to slip up over the weekend arrives from out west. LAFC earned just one point from a possible six in their back-to-back meetings against Houston. The latest 0-0 draw was a bore despite new Olivier Giroud teaming up with Timothy Tillman and Eduard Atuesta on the pitch.
LAFC will welcome the return of their internationals ahead of a crunch El Trafico.
4. LA Galaxy (👍 last rank: 5)
Courtesy of their rivals’ slip-up, the LA Galaxy moved one spot up ahead of a vital Los Angeles derby on Saturday. With some extra rest they will want duo Marco Reus and Riqui Puig to combine again in a crunch match. Can the stars get it down on home turf?
3. Columbus Crew (👎 last rank: 2)
Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris (13) collides into Columbus Crew midfielder Sean Zawadzki (25) and defender Abraham Romero (22) in the first half at Lower.com Field.
The second giant in our rankings falls after an uncharacteristic thrashing by the Sounders. It could have been so different if the Crew had another goalkeeper available or if Abraham Romero hadn’t rashly collided with Jordan Morris for a red card. But nonetheless, the result makes them suffer.
Up next is a vital away clash to FC Cincinnati for the Hell is Real Derby. Might the hosts pile on the misery?
2. FC Cincinnati (👍 last rank: 3)
Thanks to the Crew imploding, FC Cincinnati crept up to second place during their weekend of rest. They maintain second in the Eastern Conference and could cement such a place with a Hell is Real Derby win over their upcoming rivals on Saturday. Inter Miami, watch out.
1. Inter Miami (no movement)
Seven points clear in the race for the Supporters’ Shield and first place in our Power Rankings, Inter Miami will enjoy the view from the top ahead of their clash with Philadelphia.
New signing Óscar Ustari could earn some minutes as the Argentina goalkeeper reunites with Lionel Messi in the USA.
Feature image credit: © Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
