Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff; words by Alicia Rodriguez.
BIGGEST MOVERS: MIN +6; LA -5
1
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 4
Small sample size, two games at home so far, but LAFC look really good in the early weeks. Their first road venture of the season at the unique Yankee Stadium field coming up will be a new wrinkle for Bob Bradley's squad.
Previous: 4-1 win vs. POR | Next: at NYC on 3/17
2
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 2
The Red Bulls had the week off, so we still only have the one week's sample size in MLS play, but the voting panel believes they'll be in solid shape when they jump back into the fray. Their upcoming fixture against the Quakes seems like a great home opener to rack up some points.
Previous: Idle | Next: vs. SJ on 3/16
3
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 5
The Sounders are one of three teams with six points out of six so far to start the season, and they probably could have finished atop the rankings had they continued to push the gas and score a few more goals against the Rapids. As it is, taking care of business early isn't a bad habit to get into.
Previous: 2-0 win vs. COL | Next: at CHI on 3/16
4
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 6
D.C. historically haven't prospered at NYCFC, and a scoreless draw isn't a bad result. They're the only team yet to concede in league play this year, and if Frederic Brillant and Steve Birnbaum continue to play at such a high level, that quality should elevate the entire lineup.
Previous: 0-0 draw at NYC | Next: vs. RSL on 3/16
5
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 5
A bit of a wacky day for Sporting and the Union, but the home side post a win to open the Children's Mercy Park slate. With the way Peter Vermes relies on Ilie Sanchez (and the penalty duties he has), the Catalan could be the most important player in the league to his team.
Previous: 2-0 win vs. PHI | Next: at COL on 3/17
6
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 9
Gillette Stadium is often a tricky venue for road teams, but it wasn't too much for Columbus to handle in a fairly routine win. Their next game is a battle between new head coaches with FC Dallas coming to town, and it could be an intriguing head-to-head matchup for the tactics fans out there.
Previous: 2-0 win at NE | Next: vs. DAL on 3/16
7
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 11
After a sluggish season opener, Dallas really turned it on in their win over the Galaxy. They may still not be wholly free-scoring, but Paxton Pomykal certainly had the best game of his young MLS career, and gave a glimpse of his potential moving forward.
Previous: 2-0 win vs. LA | Next: at CLB on 3/16
8
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
Minnesota have played two favorable opponents thus far, but you can only face the teams in front of you, and in that regard, they've been truly impressive. And if Zlatan Ibrahimovic can't play in their next match, they may just find another favorable matchup. Adrian Heath says his side is finally competitive; so far, so good.
Previous: 3-0 win at SJ | Next: at LA on 3/16
9
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 9
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, looks like. Atlanta could very well snap into form in another week or two, or they could follow the example of TFC in 2018, or Portland in 2016, as MLS Cup champions that never figure it out the following season. Time will tell how the Five Stripes will fare.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. CIN | Next: vs. PHI on 3/17
10
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 13
The Dynamo are in CCL and have four points to start the MLS season. Pretty, pretty good, considering they were by far the weakest regular season team in 2018 of the CCL entrants. But they may have shaken those struggles and could yet be a team to be reckoned with this regular season.
Previous: 2-1 win vs. MTL | Next: vs. VAN on 3/16
11
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 11
The long road trip isn't off to a great start for the Timbers, and they've got a tricky assignment against an expansion team playing their first home game up next. And Diego Chara is suspended, and we know the Timbers haven't gotten many results in recent years with him out. Will that narrative prevail in Cincy?
Previous: 4-1 loss at LAFC | Next: at CIN on 3/17
12
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 12
So Zlatan couldn't play? No problem, they've got Ola Kama--oh, hang on a second. That transfer of Kamara to China may have been best for the player, but if Ibrahimovic can't play nearly all the games the rest of the way, the lack of forward depth is truly glaring for the Galaxy.
Previous: 2-0 loss at DAL | Next: vs. MIN on 3/16
13
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 14
Montreal had a dream start in Houston, but could not hold onto their lead and eventually saw a draw evaporate, too. Inconsistency was an issue for this team last year, but it's worth waiting until the Impact play at home a couple times before determining that one way or the other.
Previous: 2-1 loss at HOU | Next: at ORL on 3/16
14
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 14
NYCFC were lively but managed just the scoreless draw in their home opener. That seems to be the theme through two games, lots of industry but questions about the final product. If the false No. 9 set-up clicks, it could be gangbusters. If not? Could be a long season in the Bronx.
Previous: 0-0 draw vs. DC | Next: vs. LAFC on 3/17
15
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 16
Let's say this: RSL have qualified for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, or not, by the slimmest of margins the last couple years. This win could prove massive come the end of the season. And if that's the case, then the controversial penalty that led to this week's win is going to loom very large, indeed.
Previous: 1-0 win vs. VAN | Next: at DC on 3/16
16
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 19
TFC were off this week, and we await the arrival of Alejandro Pozuelo, just like TFC.
Previous: Idle | Next: vs. NE on 3/17
17
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 17
The 2018 Rapids probably would have let in two early goals in Seattle, and then perhaps conceded three or four more. The 2019 Rapids tightened up in defense after doing that, and kept it to 2-0. There's still promise for this team, but they'll need to post some results to really change minds.
Previous: 2-0 loss at SEA | Next: vs. SKC on 3/17
18
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 20
Orlando seem to be on a better track to start the season, but giving up an equalizer at the death on the road to an opponent down a man is just rough. Their next game, at home against Montreal, could be a sneaky good MLS LIVE game.
Previous: 1-1 draw at CHI | Next: vs. MTL on 3/16
19
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 19
Chicago battle back to earn their first point of the season, but the quality of play seemed to take a step back from the season opener. Still, not only pulling the trigger on acquiring CJ Sapong but throwing him out there right away has paid off, and this could be a big season for the striker.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. ORL | Next: vs. SEA on 3/16
20
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 20
Going to Sporting KC is always a tough game, but Philadelphia put in their second flat performance of the season. Atlanta are reeling a bit at the moment, but they'll likely be licking their chops at meeting Philly. Can the Union get on track at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Previous: 2-0 loss at SKC | Next: at ATL on 3/17
21
LAST WEEK: 24
HIGH: 21 | LOW: 24
Movin' on up! The expansion side moves out of the basement for the first time, after picking up their first result. Next up: A once-in-a-lifetime debut MLS home opener against the Timbers. Questions remain about Alan Koch's squad, but a win over the Timbers could put them on a favorable trajectory.
Previous: 1-1 draw at ATL | Next: vs. POR on 3/17
22
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 21 | LOW: 23
Rough day at the office for the Revolution, who could not keep up with the Crew at Gillette Stadium. Seems like a bad omen, but the season is young, so there's time to string some results together.
Previous: 2-0 loss vs. CLB | Next: at TOR on 3/17
23
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 21 | LOW: 23
The Whitecaps have to feel aggrieved over the penalty they conceded, which became the lone goal in their loss at RSL. We still need some time to see this group play together, but they seem to have more potential than most of the teams currently at the bottom of the Power Rankings.
Previous: 1-0 loss at RSL | Next: at HOU on 3/16
24
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 22 | LOW: 24
The thousand-yard stare from Matias Almeyda as the Quakes were beaten at home by Minnesota said it all, really. More time is needed to implement what's a radical system in MLS, but a road game at the Red Bulls after being beaten twice at home seems like a bad start could rumble on, unless Almeyda can muster a CCL callback.
Previous: 3-0 loss vs. MIN | Next: at RBNY on 3/16
