📈 MLS Power Rankings: A new leader and two new entrants | OneFootball

With another two matchdays behind us, its time to update the Major League Soccer power rankings as the league standings themselves truly start to take shape. Let’s get into it.

10. Charlotte FC (🆕)

As new entrants to the top 10, Charlotte’s recent success may come a surprise due to their general lack of major investment into the squad. While Dean Smith is still in the process of putting together a team in his image, Charlotte still find themselves fifth in Eastern Conference after an impressive win in Atlanta last weekend.

9. LA Galaxy (👎 Last rank: 8)

The Galaxy have been supremely entertaining all season, but in MLS, entertainment doesn’t always equate to success. While they appeared to be rediscovering their footing in recent weeks after a failing to win four straight, Greg Vanney’s side suffered their first loss in more than a month at the weekend to Chicago of all teams.

8. New York Red Bulls (🆕)

The Red Bulls have been on the cusp of the top-ten throughout the campaign but consistency had been an issue in the opening months of the campaign, but two straight wins since a loss in the Hudson River Derby a few weeks ago means Sandro Schwarz’s side have made the leap into the top 10.

7. Columbus Crew (👎 Last rank: 6)

The Crew have been out of action in MLS for what feels like forever as they finished off their Champions Cup campaign, albeit in disappointment. As they return to domestic duties in the coming weeks, the reigning MLS Cup champions will surely start to work their way back up the table.

6. Minnesota United (👎 Last rank: 5)

Minnesota have been the Western Conference’s surprise package this year under rookie manager Eric Ramsay, hovering around the top four of the conference throughout the campaign. But the Loons have been found out against teams of higher quality as of late, in particular being thoroughly outplayed in a 2-0 loss against LAFC.

5. Inter Miami (👎 Last rank: 1)

In the most dramatic fall in this edition of our rankings, Inter Miami have dropped to fifth in the rankings thanks to two straight weeks without a win. Despite Leo Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez taking a week off for rest, the Herons have managed to concede six goals in two home games, showing just how brittle they can be at the back.

4. NYCFC (No change)

Nick Cushing’s side continue to impress week on week. With five straight wins in MLS, NYCFC can officially be declared as the best of the rest. Had the teams ahead of them in this ranking not had a head start in terms of early-season winning runs, the Bronx club would likely be much further up the rankings.

3. LAFC (👍 Last rank: 7)

Look out MLS, LAFC are back on their way towards the top. The Black and Gold have caught fire as winter turns to spring on the west coast, firing Steve Cherundolo’s side back into the race for the top spot in the Western Conference. With Olivier Girould all but secured as the latest LAFC signing, their firepower appears set to only get ramped up in the coming weeks.

2. FC Cincinnati (No change)

Despite not playing at the weekend, Pat Noonan’s side might have been the biggest winners as their rivals for the Eastern Conference crown and Supporters Shield, Inter Miami, have seemingly fallen off the wagon. Cincinnati may be the most balanced team in the league this season and they should continue to show that when they return to action.

1. Real Salt Lake (👍 Last rank: 3)

Chicho Arango-led RSL are pure box office this season. Pablo Mastroeni have been ripping through opponents on their way to top-spot in the Western Conference, and our rankings. Salt Lake have scored a staggering 14 goals in their last four games and appear to be just about unstoppable when they get going.