MLS: Columbus Crew continue winning run to go top
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It's Monday, and another week of MLS action is in the books, which means it's time for ESPN's Power Rankings.
Our Power Rankings are derived from a combination of key season statistics (points per game, goal differential, expected goal differential), recent performance, the Opta computer ratings, and the observations of our writers.
Who's climbing the table? Who's in free fall? We've ranked all 29 clubs in the league. Let's dive in.
1. Columbus Crew
Previous ranking: 3
Columbus picked up their fifth straight win over the weekend with a 5-1 statement trouncing of LAFC. A brilliant goal from Cucho Hernández, an 11 pass buildup to a Ramirez goal...the rematch of last year's MLS Cup showcased Columbus at their finest. Coach Wilfried Nancy's team plays with a transcendent style, and they're nearly unbeatable since their Concacaf Champions Cup loss.
play1:01Cucho Hernández with a spectacular Goal vs. LAFC
Cucho Hernández with a spectacular Goal vs. LAFC.
2. LAFC
Previous ranking: 1
Still the top-ranked team in the west, coach Steve Cherundolo received a humbling over the weekend at the hands of the Crew. 5-1 will hurt. It also ends an impressive unbeaten streak (they hadn't lost since May 4), marks their first regular season loss to the Crew in history, and their first loss at home of the year. They'll hope for quick recovery, but a tough test with RSL in the midweek awaits (and they'll miss multiple players due to reds).
3. FC Cincinnati
Previous ranking: 2
Lucho Acosta stayed hot over the weekend as he scored FC Cincinnati's lone goal (a beautiful curling shot into the far corner of the net). But that wasn't enough to get the points at home as FCC succumbed to Charlotte. They're still first in the Supporters Shield standings -- but lead by a margin of just one point now. Adding to the pain: Miles Robinson picked up a red card in the 72nd minute, nixing his plans to stick around for their midweek match before flying to France for the Olympics.
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2 Related4. Real Salt Lake
Previous ranking: 4
RSL added their name to potential Supporters Shield challengers dropping disappointing points over the weekend. In their case, it was a 3-0 loss to Portland Timbers in Oregon. They'll get their chance to respond in a big midweek test against LAFC.
5. Inter Miami CF
Previous ranking: 6
The Herons took a break this weekend after last week's 6-1 dismantling against Cincinnati. They'll be thrilled to know that many of their fellow Supporters Shield challengers (FC Cincinnati, LAFC, LA Galaxy, RSL) all dropped points.
6. New York Red Bulls
Previous ranking: 7
1-1 against Colorado marks three draws in a row for the Red Bulls. Not bad for a team fighting valiantly absent players like Emil Forsberg. Lewis Morgan's 10th goal of the year did the trick.
7. LA Galaxy
Previous ranking: 5
The Galaxy struggled to produce offensively in Dallas over the weekend. While being outshot 18-9, they really only produced one big chance to score. Greg Vanney admitted his team never really got into their groove, as he told reporters, "this place [Frisco] hasn't been too friendly to us over the years." They'll have time to recover with two straight home games before the Leagues Cup break.
8. Charlotte FC
Previous ranking: 13
Charlotte picked up a massive win over the weekend as they took all three points on the road against the Supporters Shield leaders, FC Cincinnati. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina came up big in the win, clocking six saves, including one to stop Lucho Acosta from the penalty spot. Kahlina's been pivotal for Charlotte this season -- and registers the second best post-shot xG -- goals allowed in the league (surpassed only by Matt Freese of NYCFC).
9. Portland Timbers
Previous ranking: 9
Coach Phil Neville's early season in Portland was shaky to say the least, but Neville has the team humming convincingly now. Saturday's 3-0 win over RSL was their fifth win in the last six games, and comes against the fourth placed team in the Supporters Shield race.
10. Colorado Rapids
Previous ranking: 11
With Djordje Mihailovic officially on Olympic duty for Team USA, Colorado went down early against the Red Bulls but came back to take a point in a 1-1 draw. Zack Steffen notched a respectable six-save performance in the affair. They're a decent team, and could end the season even stronger if they make good use of the transfer window that's looming.
11. New York City FC
Previous ranking: 10
NYCFC hasn't looked their best in recent games as they dropped points to Austin last week and drew the 14th ranked Chicago Fire 0-0 over the weekend. One shot on target at Soldier Field is abysmal stuff from a team that's otherwise been strong heading into midsummer.
play1:53Chicago Fire FC vs. New York City FC - Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Chicago Fire FC vs. New York City FC, 07/13/2024
12. Seattle Sounders
Previous ranking: 8
Seattle has won their past four league games, though all against lower-ranked opponents. Regardless, that's solid form to head into Leagues Cup with. They'll face 13th in the west ranked STL and a fierce LAFC side (at home) first though. Jordan Morris deserves his flowers: Saturday's game-winning goal marks his second in consecutive games and fourth in the last four.
13. Vancouver Whitecaps
Previous ranking: 14
The Whitecaps are unbeaten in four games after beating STL 4-1. Like many of their compatriots in the middle of the rankings, Vancouver is a respectable team that could be great, if they go about the emerging transfer window wisely.
14. Orlando City
Previous ranking: 15
Orlando looked great over the weekend in a 3-1 win over New England featuring a Facundo Torres brace. Grains of salt are required given the state of New England, but that's three straight wins with ten goals across them for Orlando.
15. Houston Dynamo
Previous ranking: 12
The mid-table teams faced off over the weekend when Houston hosted the Loons in Texas. The Dynamo fell behind first but proved resilient, seeing themselves to a point with an 82nd minute response from a set piece.
16. Minnesota United
Previous ranking: 16
The Loons entered Saturday's match with six straight losses -- that's a club record, in a bad way. 1-1 against Houston broke the spell. Robin Lod's tap in at the near post clinched it.
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17. Nashville SC
Previous ranking: 17
Nashville had a tough three game run in recent weeks, suffering consecutive defeats to Miami, Columbus and Portland. That's a tough trio to test yourself against, especially absent players like Jacob Shaffelburg to international duty. They followed that up by handing DC United their first win in 11 games. The bright side: Shaffelburg is returning, and their next two matches (Philly especially) offer a chance of rebirth.
18. Toronto FC
Previous ranking: 21
They conceded first but found a way (assisted by a collapsing Philly Union). Assisted by Jack Elliot's own goal and a late addition from Deandre Kerr, Toronto clinched their first win since May 18. Take a deep breath, Toronto fans. Manager John Herdman certainly did.
19. CF Montréal
Previous ranking: 19
Montreal has seven points from their past four games following a 1-0 win over a 10-man Atlanta (though they scored while eleven remained). Ruan came up big again, notching his second goal of the year to make the difference. That's his second straight game with a key goal contribution and his third in the last four games.
20. FC Dallas
Previous ranking: 22
Dallas lost to SKC in Open Cup over the midweek after losing to them last weekend in MLS. Losing twice in a row to one of the weakest sides in the league isn't great for the ego. But Dallas recovered well with a 2-0 victory over the LA Galaxy Saturday night. Need more silver linings for a tough season, Dallas fans? Rookie Logan Farrington is finding sweet form. Farrington's goal made it 2-0 as he marked his second goal of the year and fifth goal contribution in the past six games.
play1:06Petar Musa scores in the 28'
Petar Musa scores in the 28'
21. Austin FC
Previous ranking: 20
Austin is a mercurial team, capable of grinding out points, but lacking the manpower to really compete. They followed up their respectable win over NYCFC (complements of a Gyasi Zardes brace) with a still respectable 1-0 loss to Seattle. Jordan Morris in hot form struck the dagger. An intrastate derby with FC Dallas awaits in the midweek.
22. D.C. United
Previous ranking: 27
Last week's 5-0 collapse against Orlando may have been DC's rock bottom. They responded this week by breaking an eleven game winless run with a 2-1 victory over Nashville at Audi Field. Colombian forward Cristian Dájome's brace sealed the sorely needed points. It's just one game, but it's something to build on.
23. Atlanta United FC
Previous ranking: 18
Not only did they lose to Montreal Saturday, they didn't register a single shot on target in the process. With that, Atlanta ends their three-game road trip with three biting losses. Good news? Their next two games are at home. Bad news? They'll host a pair of tough teams.
24. Sporting Kansas City
Previous ranking: 28
Sure, it didn't come against the top-ranked high flyers of Major League Soccer. But SKC has collected back-to-back wins against FC Dallas and San Jose this month, bringing their run of form to three wins in four league games. Not terrible!
25. Chicago Fire
Previous ranking: 26
There's been moments of inspiration for Chicago Fire this summer, but Saturday's dull draw against NYCFC wasn't one of them. Still, a point is a point. They may be harder to come by in the coming week: they greet Supporters Shield leaders FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami before the Leagues Cup break.
26. Philadelphia Union
Previous ranking: 24
They just keep finding ways to lose and it just keeps getting more painful to watch. Running it back with the same squad from their '22 Cup run hasn't worked. Time to rebuild, and the sooner the better.
27. St. Louis City SC
Previous ranking: 25
This season has been a reality-inducing follow-up to their breakout year as league debutantes. Good will may linger a bit longer for fans of the 27th ranked team in MLS, but Saturday's 4-1 loss to Vancouver saw fans departing the stands before the end of proceedings. They may need fresh names and new ideas in the transfer window to keep that from becoming a trend.
28. New England Revolution
Previous ranking: 23
The Revs scored first but three Orlando goals followed. It's all fun and games until Facundo Torres hits a brace.
29. San Jose Earthquakes
Previous ranking: 29
Both teams entered Saturday's matchup coming off (rare) wins. SKC made theirs consecutive, though, as San Jose picked up their 17th loss of the year.
Source: espn.co.uk
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