📈 MLS Power Rankings: Three new entrants and a new name at the top

Major League Soccer is set to pause for Leagues Cup 2024, but that will not stop us from looking back on the last two matchdays in the league. There has been quite a shakeup in our top-10 power rankings this week. Let’s dig into it.

10. Vancouver Whitecaps (🆕)

The Whitecaps have only lost once in six consecutive MLS games and have climbed up into the top-five in the Western Conference. With a prolific attack, Vanni Sartini’s side only need to sort out their defensive issues. Should they do that, they can certainly hang with the big boys out west.

9. New York Red Bulls (🆕)

With a 3-1 win over Cincinnati, the Red Bulls put their credentials on full display. Should they find the ability to string a few wins together, they may have no problem in earning am opening round playoff game at home. They seem to only score bangers to boot.

8. Portland Timbers (👎 last rank: 5)

The Timbers are finally just beginning to slow down after a scorching run to kick off the summer. After a big victory against Real Salt Lake, Portland’s struggles on the road continued with a poor defensive showing in a loss against the Galaxy. Yet with arguably the best attacking trio in MLS, Phil Neville’s side will continue to strike fear in the hearts of defenders around the division.

7. Colorado Rapids (🆕)

The Rapids have shown flashes of brilliance some weeks, but they will disappoint you the next. They jump into our rankings after being on the outskirts thanks to a superb victory over rivals RSL to win the Rocky Mountain Cup this year for just the fourth time in nearly two decades despite being the youngest team in the conference. Should they find some consistency, they can absolutely contend.

6. Real Salt Lake (no movement)

RSL have benefitted most from a few clubs around them remaining inconsistent. While they have seemingly tripped over their own feet as of late, their early-season exploits have shown that they are true contenders when everybody is fit. Should they want to contend, they will need to sort out their recent defensive issues however.

5. FC Cincinnati (👎 last rank: 3)

The Cincinnati stumble continues. After a home loss to Charlotte, Pat Noonan’s side bumbled their way to defeats at the hands of New York Red Bulls and Chicago, all but ending their Supporters Shield hopes. Yet, when fit, Cincinnati can dominate any opponent in the league. At some point they will get fit again and the rest of the league will be put on standby.

4. LA Galaxy (👍 last rank: 7)

The Galaxy remain one of the most watchable teams in all of MLS, and they jumped up in our rankings this week after a couple of impressive wins against Colorado and Portland, respectively. The attacking trio of Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil is becoming a match for any defence in MLS.

3. Columbus Crew (👎 last rank: 1)

Columbus remain the favorites to win MLS Cup this year, but they stumbled in the last seven days after winning five straight. A draw and a loss in the span of four days will do little to dent their confidence, but they will need to fight their way back into the picture for the Supporters Shield.

2. Inter Miami (👍 last rank: 4)

Miami have excelled in recent outings, lead by a group of youngsters who have covered for absentees Leo Messi and Luis Suárez with aplomb. While they may be second in our ranking, the Herons appear to have begun breaking away from the pack in the Supporters Shield race, and they will get their superstars back in time.

1. LAFC (👍 last rank: 2)

Cracks seemed to be appearing when Columbus stormed into BMO Stadium and thumped LAFC less than two weeks ago, but the Black and Gold have recovered nicely with a home draw against fellow Western Conference contenders, Real Salt Lake, and a comfortable win away to a red-hot Seattle side.