LAFC, Atlanta United remain atop MLS Power Poll

August 14, 2019 Atlanta: Atlanta United captain Jeff Larentowicz (far left) is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal to tie the game 2-2 with Club America in the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, in Atlanta.   Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

August 14, 2019 Atlanta: Atlanta United captain Jeff Larentowicz (far left) is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal to tie the game 2-2 with Club America in the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Here are the results of Doug Roberson’s weekly one-man MLS Power Poll and boy, does Atlanta United seem happy about my post:

1. LAFC (19-3-5)

Last week: 1.

Defeated San Jose 4-0 and drew with the L.A. Galaxy 3-3.

LAFC is very, very good, but defensive performances like Sunday’s are why I’m curious to see if it tweaks its tactics for playoffs.

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2. Atlanta United (15-9-3)

Last week: 2.

Won at Orlando, 1-0.

The team was exhausted at Orlando and still found a way to win.

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3. Philadelphia (14-8-6)

Last week: 3.

Defeated D.C. United 3-1.

The Union destroyed D.C. United. Next up is Atlanta United in a match that will provide their bonafides as MLS Cup candidates.

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4. NYCFC (13-5-8)

Last week: 5.

Defeated Columbus 1-0 and defeated Red Bulls 2-1.

I’ve wondered who would score their big goals. Heber and Castellanos have become an outstanding scoring duo.

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5. Real Salt Lake (13-10-4)

Last week: 7.

Defeated Colorado 2-0.

I really like this team as a contender in the West.

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6. Seattle (12-8-7)

Last week: 8.

Won at Portland 2-1.

I don’t like this team as a contender in the West.

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7. Minnesota (12-9-6)

Last week: 4.

Lost at Sporting KC 1-0.

A gigantic game tonight and a chance for its first trophy.

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8. L.A. Galaxy (13-11-3)

Last week: 6.

Drew with LAFC 3-3.

Giving up a two-goal lead? Not MLS Cup quality.

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9. New York Red Bulls (12-11-5)

Last week: 10.

Won at D.C. United 2-1 and lost at NYCFC 2-1.

Some are saying a reboot is in order for this franchise. It seems some of the fans have lost interest. I think it’s still a very good team.

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10. San Jose (12-10-5)

Last week: 11.

Lost at LAFC 4-0 and defeated Vancouver 3-1.

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11. Portland (11-11-4)

Last week: 9.

Defeated by Seattle 2-1.

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12. Dallas (11-10-7)

Last week: 14.

Defeated Houston 5-1.

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13. New England (10-9-8)

Last week: 15.

Defeated Chicago 2-1.

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14. Orlando (9-12-7)

Last week: 12.

Defeated by Atlanta United, 1-0.

If this team plays in its remaining games the way it played against Atlanta United, it will make the playoffs and will be a tough out.

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15. D.C. United (10-10-9)

Last week: 13.

Defeated by New York Red Bulls 2-1 and defeated at Philadelphia 3-1.

It’s a good thing this team has a points cushion, because otherwise I don’t see it making the playoffs.

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16. Columbus (8-15-6)

Last week: 16.

Defeated by New York Red Bulls 2-1 and defeated Cincinnati 3-1.

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17. Toronto (10-10-7)

Last week: 20.

Defeated Montreal 2-1.

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18. Sporting KC (9-11-7)

Last week: 22.

Defeated Minnesota 1-0.

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19. Montreal (10-14-4)

Last week: 17.

Defeated at Toronto 2-1.

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20. Chicago (8-12-9)

Last week: 18.

Defeated at New England 2-1.

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21. Colorado (7-14-6)

Last week: 19.

Defeated at Real Salt Lake 2-0.

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22. Houston (9-14-4)

Last week: 21.

Lost at Dallas 5-1.

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23. Vancouver (6-13-9)

Last week: 23.

Defeated at San Jose 3-1.

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24. Cincinnati (5-19-3)

Last week: 24.

Defeated by Columbus 3-1.

Their Hell is real.