Photo courtesy of Minnesota United
Well this was certainly not the week for my top 10 ranking as many of these squads saw results we could not have anticipated….unless you were LAFC. We head into the MLS All-Star break where the MLS All-Stars will take on the Liga MX All-Stars. A record-breaking 57 goals were scored in this MLS weekend. Here is how things stand going into the break.
10. Portland Timbers (Last week: No. 9)
When Giovanni Savarese went back to the DRAWing board, I don’t think he wanted three straight draws. (See what I did there?) Portland have the tools to get the job done; however they cannot seem to push themselves over the top. They currently are just above the playoff line in the West and need to start stringing together some victories if they want to redeem themselves after a disappointing MLS Cup loss on their own turf last season.
9. Columbus Crew (Last week: No. 10)
The Crew had an eventful week. A difficult loss against Montreal was then followed up with a massive victory over the defending champs, NYCFC. Lucas Zelarayan showed why he is the man for the big occasion after having an assist and two goals in the match. The Crew have postseason dreams in their sights. They will continue to have to perform against these quality sides in the East if they look to make a run at MLS Cup glory.
8.FC Dallas (Last week: No. 6)
FC Dallas has historically struggled in the Pacific Northwest and that was nothing new as their last two matches showed. A tough 1-0 loss to Seattle on a poor goalkeeping decision and then a 1-1 draw at Portland will sting. Both matches, Dallas found themselves struggling to do what they have successfully done all season, put the ball in the back of the net. After the break, Dallas get San Jose at home which should put a pep in their step if they want to host a home playoff match.
7. NYCFC (Last week: No. 5)
Just like their instate rivals, NYCFC find themselves in quite the rut after the departure of Taty Castellanos. They drew to Montreal the week prior with only two shots and then lost at Columbus 3-2. There is clearly some kinks that need to be worked out but I have faith the NYCFC will find their stride. They have a weaker schedule coming down the stretch that could see them hold their position.
6. New York Red Bulls (Last week: No. 4)
New York state of mind is not the place you want to be right now. The Red Bulls were the only team in my top-10 this record-breaking weekend to not find the back of the net in their match against DC United. Granted, DC is a refreshed club under new manager, Wayne Rooney. However, the Red Bulls are going to need to find the score sheet if they are going to show their abilities in the postseason.
5. Montreal (Last week: No. 8)
A win against my No. 10 club next week, Columbus and then followed by a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami is a great way for Montreal to go into the All-Star break. Since Wilfried Nancy took the reigns of this club, they have had a special spark about them and they are going to need it with their Canadian rivals, Toronto FC, seemingly making a dangerous push toward playoffs.
4. Minnesota United (Last Week: No. 7)
Again, how can a loss move you up in the rankings? Well, when the teams that were above you have been playing worse, that is how you move up. The Loons may have lost on the road in Colorado, which is a historically tough spot to play, but that should not dwindle their spirits. No Emanuel Reynoso or Robin Lod and they still found the back of the net three times, only losing to a Gyasi Zardes hat trick. Minnesota will be hosting the All-Star game this week and then will find themselves on a tough stretch of matches. Here is to hoping they can hold on to their spot.
3. Philadelphia Union (Last Week: No. 2)
The team I thought could take down LAFC just lost to the worst expansion side to have entered this league after a three-goal performance from FC Cincinnati saw the Union scrambling for answers. The shining spot in this lowlight of a match was Paxton Aaronson finding the back of the net just like his brother. (If he is going to count it, so am I.)
2. Austin FC (Last Week: No. 3)
A 3-3 draw against the one of the worst teams in the West this season may not be some people’s idea of a promotion in the rankings, it does call for one in mine. Where Philadelphia struggled to find the goal-scoring touch, Austin FC had plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. Sebastián Driussi fired an absolute missile in the match and it has potential for Goal of the Year status. Boy, is Austin a fun club to watch.
1. LAFC (Last Week: No. 1)
Five straight wins for Steve Cherundolo’s side and I just do not think that anyone is going to stop them. Gareth Bale showed shades of his El Clásico goal against Real Salt Lake. Giorgio Chiellini is playing volleyball-type defense when an opposing team is on the counter. The defense still has a little work to do but plain and simple, LAFC will outscore you and there is nothing you can do about it.
