MLS Power Rankings Matchday 26

Another Matchday is in the books, which means it’s time for our latest Lemon City Live MLS Power Rankings!

These rankings are based on the teams’ overall performance, recent form, impact of key players, and the insights and opinions of our staff here at Lemon City Live. With 26 Matchdays complete, let’s dive into our top 10!

1. Columbus Crew

Prior Ranking: 5

What a wild week in MLS! Columbus emerges as the new kings of our power rankings. The Crew traveled to LAFC and dominated with an impressive 5-1 victory. It wasn’t even close, with LAFC scoring their lone goal in the 85th minute while trailing 4-0. The defending champs have now won nine of their last ten MLS games, showing they are primed for another MLS Cup run.

The Greatest Showman 🎩🪄#Crew96 ✘ @CuchoHernandez pic.twitter.com/tjNDtuP7se

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 14, 2024

2. Inter Miami CF

Prior Ranking: 2

The bye week came at a perfect moment for the Herons. After their humiliating loss in Cincy, Miami had an opportunity to rest and regroup while witnessing a complete shake-up in our rankings. They even managed to fit in their Copa de Medios Media Day Match. Next up, Miami faces a struggling Toronto squad as they await the return of their Copa America stars.

Team #LaNoche lost 6-3, & unfortunately I was the goalie 😂 normally I play center back 😂😂great time & great fun!
Thank you #InterMiamiCF for such a wonderful event! See ya next year !!#MLS pic.twitter.com/EjpLX4gQIx

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) July 13, 2024

3. LAFC

Prior Ranking: 1

For the second consecutive week, our top-ranked team in the power rankings has suffered a humiliating defeat. Their impressive win streak has come to an end, marking their first loss since May 4th and their first home defeat this season. Things won’t get easier for the Black and Gold as they prepare to host Real Salt Lake in what promises to be must-see TV. Get your popcorn ready!

“Super disappointing for our fans and we don't ever want to present ourselves like that again at home.”

🎙️ Steve Cherundolo pic.twitter.com/FdlP3yKIJE

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 14, 2024

4. FC Cincinnati

Prior Ranking: 3

Cincy drops a spot this week in our rankings to number four. Fresh off their huge win over the Herons, Cincy stumbled early against Charlotte and couldn’t recover. The 3-1 loss was compounded by a late red card to Miles Robinson, who will now miss the next game. Despite this setback, Cincy remains at the top of the Supporters Shield standings but missed a chance to extend their lead.

5. Real Salt Lake

Prior Ranking: 4

Another top team takes a tumble. Real Salt Lake drops to number five this week after a dominant performance by the Portland Timbers in the Rose City. No time to dwell for RSL as they head to Los Angeles to face off against LAFC in a midweek clash. RSL remains in a three-way tie with LAFC and the Galaxy at the top of the Western Conference standings and will be without the services of Golden Boot leader Chicho Arango following his suspension.

Club statement regarding MLS ruling for Chicho Arango pic.twitter.com/JwiBQ6C66J

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) July 15, 2024

6. Portland Timbers

Prior Ranking: 8

Is this peak Phil Neville? The Timbers dominated Real Salt Lake over the weekend and soared up our power rankings. With five wins in their last six games and just one loss in their last ten, it seems the Timbers Army has found their leader. Is the best yet to come?

✌️ Party on, Portland ✌️ pic.twitter.com/z87z1KZ5bj

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 14, 2024

7. Seattle Sounders

Prior Ranking: 9

Seattle keeps humming along quietly. They sit seventh in our rankings and in the Western Conference standings. Four straight wins in MLS, and adding in their U.S. Open Cup win, sees them holding steady. Next up, another winnable game versus St. Louis City.

8. New York Red Bulls

Prior Ranking: 7

A new week, same results. The Red Bulls have been held to five draws in their last six games, a trend that has them dropping a spot in our rankings while sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, just one point ahead of their in-state rivals NYCFC.

9. LA Galaxy

Prior Ranking: 6

El Trafico hangover? The Galaxy have shown consistency all season, remaining in a three-way tie atop the Western Conference. However, they’ve dropped two of their last three matches. Should we be concerned? With no midweek match, hopefully, they can use this break to regroup and return to their winning ways.

Taking his skills to Columbus 🪄@RiquiPuig will compete in the 2024 #MLSAllStar Skills Challenge on July 23rd!

📰: https://t.co/p7ZyJq2hpt pic.twitter.com/FwrQ0hmsmi

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 15, 2024

10. Colorado Rapids

Prior Ranking: 10

The Colorado Rapids have me scratching my head. On paper, they look like a top-tier team, but they’re stuck in fourth place in the Western Conference standings and tenth in our rankings. Their challenge with consistency persists, and it won’t get any easier as striker Djordje Mihailovic is now on Olympic duty with Team USA, making him unavailable.

We say goodbye …

To no one this week but keep an eye out for Orlando re-entering our rankings soon.