MLS Power Rankings: The Week of September 30th, 2024
Welcome back to our weekly dose of MLS Power Rankings, where we break down the latest happenings in Major League Soccer. This week, we’ve got some surprises, some disappointments, and some teams who are still fighting for a playoff spot. Let’s dive in!
The Big Movers
- Inter Miami FC (Previous Ranking: 1) – The Herons are flying high after a thrilling draw with Charlotte. Despite Lionel Messi’s shaky game, they still managed to come away with a point, and are now knocking on the door of the Supporters’ Shield.
- LAFC (Previous Ranking: 5) – Steve Cherundolo’s squad is on fire, and their 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati shows why they’re one of the top teams in the league. David Martínez and Dénis Bouanga were the heroes of the match, scoring crucial goals to secure all three points.
The Sliders
- FC Cincinnati (Previous Ranking: 9) – The Orange and Blue had a tough week, losing 2-1 to LAFC and dropping out of the playoff picture. They’re still in a tough spot, but a win could get them back on track.
- Dallas FC (Previous Ranking: 21) – The Hoops had a rough night in Orlando, losing 3-1 to the Lions. They’re still alive in the playoff hunt, but need to turn things around quickly.
The Dark Horses
- Orlando City SC (Previous Ranking: 10) – The Lions are playing some of the best soccer in the league right now, and their 3-1 win over Dallas shows why. Josef Martínez and Caden Clark are leading the charge, and they’re now a serious threat to make a deep playoff run.
The Bottom Feeders
- Chicago Fire SC (Previous Ranking: 27) – The Fire’s playoff elimination is now a reality, and they’re left to wonder what could have been. Seven straight years without a postseason appearance is a tough pill to swallow.
- San Jose Earthquakes (Previous Ranking: 29) – The Quakes clinched the Wooden Spoon with a 3-0 loss to Montréal, and are now preparing for a long offseason. Ouch.
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