© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
With matchday 32 of Major League Soccer now fully in our rearview mirror, it’s time to take a look at the biggest movers and shakers in our Power Rankings.
Let’s get straight into it.
The Real Salt Lake bubble appears to have burst. Pablo Mastroeni’s side have just one win in their last six, but thanks to their red-hot form in the opening months of the campaign they remain within touching distance of second place in the Western Conference, and in our top-10 — for now.
You simply can’t ever count out a Brian Schmetzer-led Seattle team. But after comfortably dispatching reigning champs Columbus Crew, albeit under extenuating circumstances, and Sporting KC in their last two games, the Sounders have shown that they still possess the ability to play the solid, controlled football that has won them major trophies in recent memory.
Sep 7, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Stuart Armstrong (26) looks on in the second half against FC Dallas at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images
The Whitecaps have been flirting with the top-10 all season, but they may not look back from here. After easing past San Jose over the weekend thanks to a sterling debut showing from Stuart Armstrong, Vancouver moved to within three points of second place in the conference, but they still have up to two games in hand over some of their rivals.
With six wins from their last eight games, Orlando City have thrown themselves officially into dark horse territory in the east. Óscar Pareja’s side have won their last three MLS matches by a combined score of 9-0 and do not look like slowing down anytime soon.
There is no movement in the rankings for the Rapids this week but that doesn’t mean we won’t show them some love. Chris Armas’s side dodged a few bullets against Portland at the weekend but winning games against the odds has become a theme for the Commerce City crew. Second place in the Western Conference is more than up for grabs and there is no reason why the Rapids can’t secure it.
Sep 14, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dynamo FC head coach Ben Olsen after the match against Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Dynamo have quickly become a solid shout for dark horses in the Western Conference after picking up seven points in a three-game stretch against LAFC, LAFC again, and Real Salt Lake. Ben Olsen’s men have seemingly found the recipe that took deep in multiple competitions last season once again.
Cincinnati have had their share of ups and downs in the late summer, but they showed a tremendous amount of resolve in blanking a Columbus side that have thrived in the big games under the lights this season. With added depth at the front in the back from the summer transfer window, Cincinnati will like their chances of holding off their Ohio rivals in second — but the Crew will have a part to play in that race.
The Crew remain in the top-three despite the draw with Cincinnati over the weekend. Cucho and his mates will go into the playoffs with a swagger that is perhaps only matched by Inter Miami in the division. Their summer additions have only added strength in numbers for Wilfried Nancy, and that depth should see them over the line to pick up second place in the Eastern Conference before all is said and done.
The Galaxy have hit their highest mark in our rankings so far this season, and they do so after a scorching comeback victory against LAFC on derby day. With Marco Reus added to the midfield, Greg Vanney’s side are dripping with attacking weapons and will be a formidable foe for anybody in the Western Conference come playoff time.
With or without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are simply unstoppable when they get moving downhill. They have all but wrapped up the Supporters Shield and will head into the playoffs as the odds-on favorite to win MLS Cup. When you can bring Messi back into the fold after a four-game win streak, who is going to stop you?
