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We kick off our new bi-weekly MLS Power Rankings today as we gauge who are hottest, and perhaps coldest teams in the division. These rankings will take into consideration recent form and squad quality as we pick through some of the top teams in MLS. Let’s get into it.
Austin are potentially the biggest surprise in our rankings. In a week where they bought out and parted ways with one of their highest paid designated players, Austin are still finding a way to pick up points when not playing their best.
Sitting just six points off the top of the conference after 15 games can only be seen as a shock, but a welcome one down at Q2 Stadium.
Toronto have been apart of some thrillers this season, but this weekend they fell at home in perhaps the game of the season so far to a Cincinnati that will certainly feature in this piece later on.
After a tumultuous 2023 campaign, straddling the fence as a top-10 team in MLS at nearly the halfway point of the season should be seen as a big success for TFC.
8. LA Galaxy
The Galaxy started on fire, then cooled off, and now they may be starting to find their feet again. Greg Vanney’s side can be one of the best teams in the league on their day, but their sticky patch in April and early May sees them just barely make the top-10.
7. LAFC
LAFC are just always there, aren’t they? Despite losing the likes of Gareth Bale and Carlos Vela in recent seasons, they remain in the hunt at all times and are only five points off the top of the Western Conference.
6. Columbus Crew
The reigning MLS Cup champs got off to a slow start to the campaign as their attention remained focused on the CONCACAF Champions Cup, but they are beginning to find their feet once again with three straight wins.
Another one or two on the bounce and Wilfred Nancy’s team will likely shoot up towards the top of these rankings.
5. Minnesota United
The Loons are one of the hottest teams in MLS and look to be a side revolutionized under the tutelage of Eric Ramsay.
Should they win their two games in hand on their Western Conference foes, Minnesota would comfortably take over to top spot in the conference.
4. NYCFC
The Pigeons are slowly starting to rev their engines in the Bronx (and Queens). Nick Cushing’s side have won seven of the last eight and firmly in the conversation for the Eastern Conference race.
3. Real Salt Lake
The Chicho Arango led Western Conference leaders tend to be involved in high scoring affairs, but eight goals scored in their last two games shows just how prolific RSL have become. At the moment, they don’t look like slowing down.
2. FC Cincinnati
Pat Noonan’s side are potentially the most balanced side in MLS. They win any type of game — seven goal thrillers, or one-goal slogs.
With the likes of Lucho Acosta and the supremely talented new boy, Kevin Kelsey, Cincinnati are easily one of the top two or three favorites to earn major silverware this season.
1. Inter Miami
Well, you can’t argue with an Inter Miami team that traveled all the way up to British Columbia and earned all three points without the services of Leo Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets.
Tata Martino’s side are starting to show that they can get it done without needing dramatic comebacks lead by their superstars and that’s a recipe for success in this division.
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