MLS Power Rankings: A Comprehensive Review of Matchday 37

It’s Monday again, and the excitement of another action-packed weekend in Major League Soccer (MLS) warrants a fresh set of Power Rankings from ESPN. This past Matchday 37 saw some thrilling matches, and the stakes are getting higher as the season inches closer to the playoffs. Fans are eager to see which teams are solidifying their standings and who’s in desperate need of a turnaround.

The Top Contenders

Philadelphia Union: Dominance Reasserted

The Philadelphia Union continues to make waves this season, retaining their top ranking after a staggering 6-0 win against D.C. United. This result was especially redemptive following a 7-0 loss to Vancouver earlier this season. With just two games remaining, the Union boasts a solid four-point lead in the Supporters’ Shield race, putting them in prime position for postseason glory. Their ability to come back strong from setbacks speaks to the resilience and tactical acumen of their coaching staff and players alike.

Vancouver Whitecaps: A Test of Resilience

Following a 2-2 draw against the Seattle Sounders, the Vancouver Whitecaps remain a strong contender but have seen a slight dip in their momentum. Although they’re six points behind Philadelphia, they possess a game in hand and a realistic chance to snatch the Shield if fortune turns in their favor. Their strong performance against rivals, particularly the 7-0 drubbing of Philadelphia in September, remains a vital talking point. The Whitecaps’ approach to these final games will be crucial as they aim for home-field advantage in the playoffs.

FC Cincinnati: Playoff Readiness

Cincinnati finds itself in a bittersweet position after a last-gasp equalizer led to a 1-1 draw against Orlando City. Securing home-field advantage in the playoffs is still within reach, but the dropped points in the dying minutes are a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in competitive matches. As they prepare for two upcoming matches against non-playoff teams, the emphasis will be on securing maximum points to cement their place in the postseason.

Rising Up the Ranks

LAFC: Striking Form

The Los Angeles Football Club has begun to show its true potential with four consecutive wins, culminating in a decisive 3-0 victory over St. Louis. Denis Bouanga notched his 23rd goal of the season while new signing Son Heung-Min is quickly making his mark. Their explosive attacking combination has made LAFC one of the most formidable teams in the league as they gear up for playoff action, sitting on the second-highest goal tally in the league with 60 goals.

Seattle Sounders: Grit and Determination

Seattle has officially secured their playoff spot, marking their third consecutive postseason appearance after a gripping 2-2 draw against Vancouver. Coming back from a one-goal deficit showcases their determination and fighting spirit, attributes that will serve them well as they head into the playoffs. Albert Rusnák continues to be a key player for the team with his impressive scoring form, and he’ll be instrumental in their playoff push.

Orlando City: The Playoff Foundation

After a string of solid performances, Orlando City is sitting comfortably in a playoff spot, largely thanks to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Cincinnati. Their resilience was highlighted by Alex Freeman’s clutch goal in the dying moments of the match, ensuring they have secured a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive season. The team will be buoyed by the newfound momentum as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season.

Struggling to Keep Afloat

San Diego FC: The Agony of a Lost Opportunity

Despite dominating possession against San Jose with 73% and numerous shots, San Diego faced a shocking 1-0 defeat. The loss was a significant setback in their quest for the Supporters’ Shield and puts extra pressure on them as they now find themselves tied with Vancouver atop the Western Conference. San Diego needs to regroup and refine their strategies to ensure they don’t slip further as the season comes to a close.

Inter Miami: Stunted Growth

Inter Miami faced a setback against Toronto, ending their three-game winning streak with a disappointing 1-1 draw. Despite Lionel Messi’s relentless attempts at breaking through Toronto’s defense, they failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities. As they still linger in the Supporters’ Shield conversation, points dropped in such critical matches can weight heavily on their playoff aspirations.

Nashville SC: A Cautionary Tale

Nashville finally found their rhythm again with a 3-1 victory over Houston after three consecutive defeats. Securing a playoff spot shouldn’t mask the underlying issues that must be addressed if they want any chance of significant postseason success. Their upcoming U.S. Open Cup final against Austin will be a pivotal moment to either build on their momentum or expose their vulnerabilities further.

The Challengers

New York City FC: Playoff Position Solidified

A critical 3-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls has solidified NYCFC’s playoff status, now placing them third in the Eastern Conference. Their ability to secure three points against a rival team is significant, and the upcoming matches against Philadelphia and Seattle present both a challenge and an opportunity for them to enhance their playoff strategy.

Minnesota United: Defensive Resilience

Minnesota continues to hang tough in a competitive Western Conference. The talented goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair put in a heroic performance against Colorado to secure a 1-1 draw, showcasing the team’s ability to grind out results even under pressure. They sit third and will be looking to capitalize on their remaining matches to maintain their playoff positioning.

Bottom of the Table Woes

LA Galaxy: A Bright Spot Amid Disappointment

In a season riddled with challenges, the LA Galaxy found a brief moment of triumph, winning convincingly against Sporting Kansas City. The hat trick from Joseph Paintsil offers a glimmer of hope for a franchise that has seen better days but is set to miss the playoffs yet again.

Atlanta United: An Embarrassing Fall

For Atlanta, the season has been a disappointment and the recent 2-0 loss to New England was yet another blow. With the playoffs out of reach, questions about future strategies and leadership will undoubtedly emerge as they look to regroup for next season.

As the season closes in on its final stretch, the urgency and intensity of each match will only amplify. With pivotal games ahead, teams are vying not only for playoff positioning but for a chance at MLS glory. As the power rankings shift week by week, fans can expect thrilling soccer as the quest for the Supporters’ Shield becomes ever more intense.