Major League Soccer action is back with the Leagues Cup finally over.
After a goal-filled weekend of league drama, here is who makes the top 10 in our power rankings.
10. Portland (👎 last rank: 8)
Despite a brief bright spark in the middle of summer, Portland Timbers slip down again as we head into the fall.
It was pure dominance from Phil Neville’s side at home to St. Louis (32 total attempts) but Providence Park was far from a fortress.
The struggling visitors scored four times despite only six shots on target, and while the Timbers clawed back from 3-1 down for a 4-4 draw, Felipe Mora’s red card rounded out a night to forget.
Last night, Felipe Mora of the Timbers became the first player in MLS history to have 2+ goals, 1+ assist and a red card in the same game. #RCTID
— Mike Donovan (@TheMikeDonovan) August 25, 2024
9. FC Dallas (🆕)
Another goal-fest this time in the East sees FC Dallas crack into our standings. After bowing out early in the Leagues Cup group stage, interim head coach Peter Luccin saw his men bounce back with a determined comeback over bottom-side D.C. United.
Whatever team talk occurred throughout early August must have really stuck. The 4-3 win is the first away win of the season in MLS for Dallas – what a way to kickstart the return!
8. Seattle Sounders (🆕)
A second new entry also bounced back to MLS action with a win. Seattle registered back-to-back away victories after winning 3-2 over Minnesota.
It means their loss to LAFC remains Seattle’s only blip in their last nine MLS matches, going eight unbeaten and sitting fifth in the standings.
7. Real Salt Lake (👎 last rank: 6)
After benefitting from other clubs and results around them, an inconsistent RSL side slips further down the rankings.
Early showings suggested Pablo Mastroeni’s men had what it takes to challenge for the Supporters’ Shield.
But a shock upset at the hands of bottom-side visitors San Jose Earthquakes sees RSL slip away from silverware. It’s now four league games without a win and third place in the West.
6. Colorado Rapids (👍 last rank: 7)
A third-place finish in the Leagues Cup coupled with RSL’s slip-up sees the Rapids move one spot in our standings. A thrilling 2-2 draw and excellent spot-kicks were enough to finish on the podium and suggest the consistency from Chris Armas’ side is something here to stay.
First, a Rocky Mountain Cup victory and now this. Hats off to the…