It’s time for my weekly MLS Power Poll, the only MLS Power Poll that recognizes that arbitrarily ranking teams means nothing in the grand scheme of things and is done just to spark debate and not attach importance to the reporter’s ego.
1. Atlanta United (21-7-6)
Last week: 3.
Result: Advanced to Eastern Conference finals by defeating NYCFC.
The Five Stripes are starting to look like their old selves: opportunistic on offense and tough on defense.
» More: Nagbe out; four others called up by national teams
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2. New York Red Bulls (22-7-5)
Last week: 7.
Result: Advanced to Eastern Conference finals by defeating Columbus.
The Red Bulls must feel confident about its chances of advancing to the MLS Cup because it has yet to lose to Atlanta United.
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3. Sporting KC (18-8-8)
Last week: 4.
Result: Advanced to Western Conference finals by defeating Real Salt Lake.
The top team in the West moves on.
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4. Portland (15-10-9)
Last week: 3.
Result: Advanced to Western Conference finals by defeating Seattle.
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5. Columbus (14-11-9)
Last week: 2.
Result: Eliminated by New York Red Bulls in Eastern Conference semifinals.
A long season marked by uncertainty will continue in the offseason.
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6. Seattle (18-11-5)
Last week: 5.
Result: Eliminated by Portland in Western Conference semifinals.
Seattle wasn’t a team that I believed to be as good as its record. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling. Still, credit to them for fighting back in the home game.
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7. Real Salt Lake (14-13-7)
Last week: 6.
Result: Eliminated by Sporting KC in Western Conference semifinals.
This will be an interesting offseason.
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8. NYCFC (16-10-8)
Last week: 8.
Result: Eliminated Atlanta United in Eastern Conference semifinals.
NYCFC likely needs a new manager.
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9. Dallas (16-9-9)
Last week: 9.
Not a bad showing, but they can be much better.
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10. L.A.F.C. (16-9-9)
Last week: 10.
Result: 3-2 loss vs. Real Salt Lake in Knockout Round.
Building a defense to support the high-powered attack must be an offseason priority.
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11. D.C. United (14-11-9)
Last week: 11.
Result: 2-2 (3-2) loss to Columbus in Knockout Round.
This team needs more pieces, particularly along the back line.
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12. Philadelphia (15-14-5)
Last week: 12.
Result: 3-1 loss at NYCFC in Knockout Round.
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13. L.A. Galaxy (13-12-9)
Last week: 13.
Result: 3-2 loss vs. Houston.
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14. Montreal (14-16-4)
Last week: 14.
Result: 1-0 loss at New England.
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15. Vancouver (13-13-8)
Last week: 15.
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16. New England (10-13-11)
Last week: 16.
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17. Minnesota United (11-20-3)
Last week: 17.
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18. Toronto (10-18-6)
Last week: 18.
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19. Houston (10-16-8)
Last week: 19.
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20. Chicago (8-18-8)
Last week: 20.
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21. Colorado (8-19-7)
Last week: 21.
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22. San Jose (4-21-9)
Last week: 22.
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23. Orlando City (8-22-4)
Last week: 23.
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