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: CIN +6; POR -7
1
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5
The Sounders continue their hot start with what was a commanding win on paper, and in actual fact was a slightly more nervy win on the road in Chicago. Game states or not, this team is flying in first halves so far this season and are giving themselves some room to weather late storms.
Previous: 4-2 win at CHI | Next: at VAN on 3/30
2
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 4
LAFC fall off the top of the order after dropping points for the first time this season, although taking a point despite most of the squad struggling on the day at Yankee Stadium is a solid accomplishment. The big surprise was certainly Latif Blessing taking a central midfield spot and doing a good job on the defensive side of the ball.
Previous: 2-2 draw at NYC | Next: vs. RSL on 3/23
3
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 3
The Earthquakes made them sweat for it, but the Red Bulls posted a comfortable win in the end in their home opener. Kaku and Chris Armas seem to be going through some stuff right now, and while the Red Bulls can win in a number of ways, having a playmaker who isn't playing would seem to hamstring them over time.
Previous: 4-1 win vs. SJ | Next: vs. ORL on 3/23
4
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 6
You should probably put a tiny little asterisk next to D.C. United's big win over RSL, considering the visitors ended the match with nine players. But you can only play what's front of you, and Wayne Rooney & Co. made them pay. How long can they keep the shutout streak going?
Previous: 5-0 win vs. RSL | Next: at ORL on 3/31
5
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 5
Sporting KC just find a way. They may only have four points through three games but continuing to get more results than not while juggling CCL shows they're still a contender. Now, we'll see how these heavy minutes early mean in the late summer, but for now it's all looking good in KC.
Previous: 1-1 draw at COL | Next: vs. MTL on 3/30
6
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 9
The Crew don't seem like a team that will post gaudy scorelines, but a goal or two scored while the defense does its part will do just fine more often than not. One figures opponents will hone in on Columbus' set pieces with their success so far this season, but it looks like Caleb Porter has plenty of wrinkles to roll out.
Previous: 1-0 win vs. DAL | Next: at PHI on 3/23
7
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 11
The highs of the previous week could not be replicated on the road, but Dallas still put in an honest shift in Columbus. Their new striker, Zdenek Ondrasek, is nowhere to be seen so far this year, which is odd considering the continued need for a consistent finisher on the field for FCD.
Previous: 1-0 loss at CLB | Next: vs. COL on 3/23
8
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 13
The Dynamo have had a cushy start to the season with three home games, but setting the tempo at BBVA Compass Stadium could do a world of good as they embark on their road slate after the bye week. Full credit to Wilmer Cabrera for playing the long game with Memo Rodriguez, as he seems to be blossoming this year.
Previous: 3-2 win vs. VAN | Next: at COL on 3/30
9
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 12
The Galaxy were good in the first half against Minnesota and their frailties came back somewhat in the second half, but the best news of all is that it appears Guillermo Barros Schelotto has a coherent, quality midfield. Now, to ensure they all stay healthy; then he can turn his attention to other parts of the field.
Previous: 3-2 win vs. MIN | Next: vs. POR on 3/31
10
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 14
Montreal continue to pile up points on the road, as they discover Orlando having a "circa 2018" day and take full advantage. They'll next visit Sporting after their bye week, and while one game doesn't define a season, taking points there would really turn heads, although they will have to do it without the suspended Zakaria Diallo.
Previous: 3-1 win at ORL | Next: at SKC on 3/30
11
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
Well, you can't win them all, as Minnesota hit a wall and lost for the first time this season. Darwin Quintero was bottled up good by the Galaxy, and obviously that will be the gameplan for opponents until other Loons players can show they'll consistently beat defenses preoccupied with the Colombian.
Previous: 3-2 loss at LA | Next: at NE on 3/30
12
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 12
For the time being, the swagger is gone. We were all familiar with a team whose chests were continually puffed out, who coolly stared down opponents, who knew they had the psychological advantage every game. Against the Union, Atlanta's players played hard and got a result, but we saw something we haven't seen: nerves.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. PHI | Next: at CLB on 3/30
13
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 19
Toronto FC's cadre of academy products is among the largest in the league, but aside from having to bring in a slew of guys for a one-off game or to weather an international tournament, most of them have just been hanging around. Sunday's win suggested that maybe the Akinolas and Hamiltons have earned a more consistent run.
Previous: 3-2 win vs. NE | Next: vs. NYC on 3/29
14
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 14
The two Alexes, Mitrita and Ring, have started the season well for NYCFC. The rest of the squad needs to get up to speed. The team is unbeaten, but three points in three games leaves something to be desired, especially with two of those games at Yankee Stadium.
Previous: 2-2 draw vs. LAFC | Next: at TOR on 3/29
15
LAST WEEK: 21
It's a bit unfortunate that the Union couldn't manage a win in Atlanta, as they had the bulk of the good scoring chances and could only get one in the net. After this performance, it's hard to write them off just yet, but it doesn't seem like much will come easy for them.
FC Cincinnati took a leap up the standings this week after their exciting debut win in MLS. Allan Cruz's tidy backheel finish was a perfect capper for the afternoon, and it was a landmark day in the club's history.
Previous: 3-0 win vs. POR | Next: at NE on 3/24
16
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 16 | LOW: 17
Another game where the Rapids played pretty well, but didn't get the win they were seeking. They look set to continue as a "tough out" for opponents, but there seems to be more quality than that, and if they can stay on track, a steady climb up the standings still isn't out of the question this year.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. SKC | Next: at DAL on 3/23
17
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 17
Mike Petke is right: Throw the loss at D.C. out and move on, RSL. You'll need it, because suspensions and international absences may be more significant for them this week than for any team in the league as they take on LAFC. Having said that, RSL are one of just two teams to have beaten LAFC at The Banc so far, so you never know.
Previous: 5-0 loss at DC | Next: at LAFC on 3/23
18
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 18
Rough seems to be getting worse as the Timbers suffer another heavy defeat on the road. The bye week will give them a chance to regroup and see if they can turn things around – if they can, their outlook won't be so dire. If they can't? The countdown to June 1, when they have their home opener, will be on.
Previous: 3-0 loss at CIN | Next: at LA on 3/31
19
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 20
It's a bit unfortunate that the Union couldn't manage a win in Atlanta, as they had the bulk of the good scoring chances and could only get one in the net. After this performance, it's hard to write them off just yet, but it doesn't seem like much will come easy for them.
Previous: 1-1 draw at ATL | Next: vs. CLB on 3/23
20
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 20
The Fire were blown out at home, yes, but they showed signs of life late. CJ Sapong continues to play well and Chicago made Seattle work late to wrap up the win. Of course, we'll just have to see how Nico Gaitan's arrival impacts this team.
Previous: 4-2 loss vs. SEA | Next: vs. RBNY on 3/30
21
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 21
Orlando City grabbed a second-half goal to make it interesting, and they didn't let the floodgates open in their home loss against Montreal, but there wasn't much else good to write home about. If they can move on, this might be a blip, but with the Red Bulls hosting them next, it's going to be a big test for James O'Connor's group.
Previous: 3-1 loss vs. MTL | Next: at RBNY on 3/23
22
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 21 | LOW: 23
Carles Gil is legit, apologies for ever doubting him. Beyond that? So far, it's looking like the same old Revs.
Previous: 3-2 loss at TOR | Next: vs. CIN on 3/24
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 21 | LOW: 23
It still feels like the Whitecaps are ripe to eventually move up the Power Rankings over the course of the season, but the voting panel remains skeptical at present. The bye week could do them a world of good to find some chemistry as a group.
Previous: 3-2 loss at HOU | Next: vs. SEA on 3/30
24
LAST WEEK: 24
HIGH: 22 | LOW: 24
For the second time this season, San Jose took an early lead and then crumbled away over the course of 90 minutes. They, too, could use a bye week, which they're getting. Don't be surprised if another element of Matias Almeyda's style emerges afterwards.
Previous: 4-1 loss at RBNY | Next: vs. LAFC on 3/30
