© 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.
10. Real Salt Lake (👎 last rank: 7)
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.
9. Seattle Sounders (No movement)
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.
8. Vancouver Whitecaps (🆕)
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.
7. Orlando City (🆕)
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.
6. Colorado Rapids (No movement)
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.
5. Houston Dynamo (👍 last rank: 8)
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…