📈 MLS Power Rankings: Slumping LAFC drop out as Houston climb

We may in the final few weeks of the MLS campaign, but there is plenty of movement in our Power Rankings after a few strange results on matchdays 33 and 34. And before the comments come flooding in, yes LAFC remain outside of the top-10 as they continue to slump.

Let’s see who replaced them…

10. Philadelphia Union (🆕)

We’re nothing if not bold. Philadelphia have broke into the top-10 for the first time this season and it feels deserved. The Union are notoriously a tough out this time of year, and now they seem to have clicked into the gear when it matters most. Jim Curtin’s side have won three of their last four games in MLS, scoring a staggering 11 goals in that stretch.

9. Minnesota United (🆕)

It’s been a season of peaks and valleys for Minnesota United under rookie head coach Eric Ramsay, but nevertheless they have remained in the MLS Cup Playoffs picture throughout. After a comfortable 2-0 win over a woeful Sporting KC side at the weekend, the Loons have now picked up three points in four of their last six games to spur on their rescue act.

8. Orlando City (👎 last rank: 7)

It’s an unfortunate slide in the rankings for Orlando after a scintillating last few weeks, but the combination of a loss in Columbus and teams around them in top-10 picking up some points means they drop two places. Despite all that, City have won seven of their last 10 in MLS and have rightfully earned a horse in the race for home-field advantage to start the playoffs.

7. Real Salt Lake (👍 last rank: 10)

After a short slump saw them slide out of the Supporters Shield race, RSL have picked up four points in their last two games, scoring six goals in the process. With winnable games ahead of them to close out the season, there is no reason they can’t rediscover their early season form and hold onto their spot in the top-two.

6. Colorado Rapids (no movement)

Colorado have quietly climbed up into the top-three in the Western Conference, somehow remaining under the radar the whole time. Chris Armas has seemingly redeemed himself with a stellar job in Commerce City. The only reason the Rapids haven’t move up in our rankings is because of the shock thumping at the hands of SKC just a few days before dispatching Toronto. Don’t be surprised to see them in the top-five before all is said and done, however.

5. FC Cincinnati (👎 last rank: 4)

Pat Noonan’s side haven’t been the impenetrable force we know they can be in the latter half of the season, but they will remain a major threat heading into the playoffs. Nonetheless, losing four of eight is an unusual form chart for this iteration of Cincinnati. With an ice-cold LAFC next up in the schedule, Cincinnati could certainly rediscover their footing.

4. Houston Dynamo (👍 last rank: 5)

The Dynamo are simply flying and its reminiscent of the side that won the U.S. Open Cup and made a run to the Western Conference finals. This time around they are boosted by summer signing Ezequiel Ponce, as Coco Carrasquilla continues to show why he is one of the the best midfielders in MLS.

3. LA Galaxy (👎 last rank: 2)

The Galaxy are all but nailed on to finish top of the Western Conference, but their 4-2 loss in Portland during the week shows why they might not be the most trustworthy side come from playoff time. Despite that potential achilles heel, they remain nearly unplayable on a good night.

2. Columbus Crew (👍 last rank: 3)

The Crew are back in the top-two, and rightly so. After a small stumble in early September, they have bounced back with seven points from nine games. While they remain in a dog-fight for second in the east, once the floodlights flick on for an MLS Cup Playoff run, there is little betting against this juggernaut.

1. Inter Miami (no movement)

Champagne is remaining on ice for Miami right now as they close in on a record points tally. The reintegration of Lionel Messi in the side has been exciting, but it hasn’t been without growing pains. Yet the Herons are still on course for a historic campaign. From here the focus will turn to priming the pumps for a playoff run.