MLS Power Rankings Matchday 32

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 32 Matchdays complete, let’s dive into our top 10!

1. Inter Miami CF

Prior Ranking: 1

I have extremely high expectations for Inter Miami. With the GOAT joining the team, they were clear favorites before the season even started. Despite a rocky preseason and early doubts about how well Luis Suárez would adapt to MLS, Miami soared to start the season. Then came the Copa America and Messi’s injury, leading many—including myself—to expect a struggle. Yet here we are: after over two months away, Messi returns to the starting eleven, scoring two goals and providing an assist in his return. Just another day at the office for the greatest of all time.

The GOAT 🐐 is available to play Saturday night @chase_stadium 🆚 Philadelphia Union…

The wait is over! The King 👑 of futbol is back !!#InterMiamiCF #MLS pic.twitter.com/BBJztacLOS

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 13, 2024

2. LA Galaxy

Prior Ranking: 4

What a thrilling rivalry weekend in MLS! El Tráfico delivered in spectacular fashion once again. In Carson, the Galaxy staged a remarkable comeback after being down 2-0 within the first 15 minutes. Riqui Puig shined brightly with a goal and two assists, while Marco Reus added an assist of his own. The game-changing moment came from Edwin Cerriĺlo, whose stunning long-range strike in the 55th minute tied it for the Galaxy. A 67th-minute Riqui Puig shot would get deflected in by Dejan Joveljić and put the Galaxy up for good. The final score: 4-2, a statement win for the Galaxy in this intense rivalry clash.

LA STAND UP ✨🗣️@RiquiPuig & @JoveljicDejan make it 3-2! pic.twitter.com/UCCN0Z6QQn

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 15, 2024

3. Columbus Crew

Prior Ranking: 2

The Crew missed the chance to leapfrog Cincinnati into second place in the Eastern Conference, settling for just a point in the Hell is Real Derby. As a result, they drop a spot to number three in our rankings. Despite this, the Leagues Cup champions remain a formidable contender for the MLS Cup, continuing to impress and clicking well as they push forward.

4. LAFC

Prior Ranking: 3

Denis Bouanga, Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, and now LAFC legend Carlos Vela are all back in black. Despite letting three points slip in El Tráfico, Vela’s return will help ease the sting of blowing a 2-0 lead to their biggest rival.

Here from the start, back for more 👑#LAFC | @11carlosV pic.twitter.com/MJhSoVowoG

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 16, 2024

5. FC Cincinnati

Prior Ranking: 6

The Supporters’ Shield winners from last year have secured 4 points in their last two games, breaking a five-game drought without a point. Despite this, they’re holding steady in second place in the East, 10 points behind Miami and just two points ahead of rivals Columbus.

This is Hell is Real. pic.twitter.com/zGx8l3Xker

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 14, 2024

6. Colorado Rapids

Prior Ranking: 8

Colorado delivered an impressive performance during their Leagues Cup run, and they’ve carried that momentum into MLS play. The Rapids now find themselves in third place in the Western Conference after back-to-back wins over FC Dallas and the Portland Timbers. With Real Salt Lake slipping, the Rapids have a golden opportunity to create some separation from the pack. Up next is a crucial matchup against Sporting KC, with a massive 3 points on the line. This could be the defining moment of their season.

7. Orlando City

Prior Ranking: Unranked

Wow! Who saw this coming? Our preseason number-one team had such a rough start to the season that I honestly thought they’d never re-enter our rankings. But after building some much-needed continuity and consistency, the Lions have impressed and are now holding down the seventh spot in our rankings. With only two losses in their last 10 MLS matches and having outscored opponents 26-12 during that stretch, they’re showing they’re a serious contender. For comparison, Miami has outscored their opponents 23-14 in the same period.

WHAT. A. STRIKE. ‼️ pic.twitter.com/orCojEZI5w

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 15, 2024

8. Seattle Sounders

Prior Ranking: Unranked

This part of our rankings has seen a lot of movement throughout the season, and this week it’s Seattle’s turn to take the spotlight. Currently sitting in fifth place in the West, the Sounders have made a strong statement with some impressive recent victories. Their 4-0 shocker in Columbus and a 2-0 home win this past weekend, highlighted by back-to-back shutouts, have certainly made an impact. Seattle is proving they’re a team to watch as the season progresses.

A complete team goal 👏

Paul's third goal of the regular season is your @EQCasino Play of the Match from #SEAvSKC! pic.twitter.com/O0IgAyQ6WA

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) September 16, 2024

9. Real Salt Lake

Prior Ranking: 7

RSL is in a free fall right now, and if things don’t turn around, they might be out of our rankings by next week. Since the MLS resumed after the Leagues Cup, RSL has scored just 3 goals in three games while conceding 6. With two losses and a win, their performance is lacking. The team clearly misses star winger Andres Gomez, who left for Ligue 1 during the summer transfer window. His absence has left Chicho with all the pressure, and it’s evident that the current setup isn’t working.

10. New York Red Bulls

Prior Ranking: 5

Since June 22, the Red Bulls have played 12 games across all competitions, securing only two wins but managing eight draws. They lost 2-1 in Chicago this past weekend and will host Atlanta this Saturday. Their inconsistent performance makes the 10th spot in our rankings seem like a fitting place for them.

We say goodbye to …

Portland and NYCFC have shown potential for a comeback. I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of either team in the rankings.