Midweek Drama Reshapes the Power Rankings
Another action-packed week in Major League Soccer has produced significant movement in the latest MLS Power Rankings, with standout performances from key individuals reshaping the landscape. Brazilian playmaker Evander has injected new life into FC Cincinnati, while Minnesota United dominated on set pieces and Inter Miami failed to win at home for the first time in weeks.
San Jose Hold Top Spot
The San Jose Earthquakes maintained their position at number one in the Power Rankings, though they were not at their best over the weekend. For the first time in a long while, the Quakes were not their usual dominant selves. They traveled across the continent without injured star Timo Werner to face a stubborn Toronto FC side and still managed to grind out a 1-1 draw.
That result marked the end of an extraordinary eight-match winning streak across all competitions. Despite the dropped points, San Jose remain unbeaten over their last nine matches across all competitions and have accumulated 28 points through their first 11 games. A spectacular goal-line clearance by Reid Roberts was the highlight of the match, preserving the draw.
Vancouver Whitecaps Hold Strong
Vancouver Whitecaps FC sit comfortably in second place with 25 points from 10 matches and a five-match unbeaten run. The underlying numbers favored them significantly in their 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy, demonstrating that their performance level remains high even when results do not fully reflect their dominance.
Nashville and LAFC Battle on Multiple Fronts
Nashville SC rotated heavily in their 0-0 draw at Philadelphia to prepare for a monumental Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal second leg against Tigres UANL. Down 1-0 heading into El Volcan without striker Sam Surridge, Nashville face a daunting task but showed in the first leg they can compete with the Liga MX giants.
LAFC, meanwhile, sit fourth in the Power Rankings. They are one game away from their third Concacaf Champions Cup final since 2020, holding a one-goal lead over Toluca heading into the second leg at the Estadio Nemesio Diez. With Denis Bouanga available on the counter when Toluca push forward seeking a comeback, LAFC are well positioned to advance.
Evander Impact at Cincinnati
The headline story from this week Power Rankings is the impact of Brazilian midfielder Evander at FC Cincinnati. Since his arrival, Cincinnati have shown renewed energy and creativity in midfield. His ability to dictate tempo, pick out incisive passes, and contribute goals has transformed the team attacking output. Cincinnati have climbed several spots and look poised to be a factor in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders find themselves in fifth despite an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Sporting KC. Even Sounders players admitted it felt like a loss, but Seattle have just one defeat in MLS play this year. A challenging upcoming schedule against San Diego, San Jose, the Galaxy, and LAFC will test their credentials.
