We’ve never understood power rankings, especially when you can just look at the standings for an official, unarguable list of who’s the best (The Timber Joeys!) and who’s the worst (New England Revs!). So, with a desire to not do something so unnecessary and redundant, but rather create a new list that makes very little sense, we present: The MLS Rankings of Power.
Every week, we’ll update this monstrosity in the hope of finding the most powerful person, place or thing in the most major of major soccer leagues. Let us continue.
MLS Rankings of Power: Week One
MLS Rankings of Power: Week Two
Dropping from the top 10: Peter Vermes, Diving, Mark Geiger
The Colorado Rapids gave up two goals to Minnesota United in Commerce City, sending them hurtling down the rankings. The Loons are really only built to attack, and they’ll probably need to score at least three goals to ever win a match, but the Rapids gave up two goals at home for the first time in 19 regular-season games.
Ibson @j_thiesson @Chris_Ramirez17
Niceeeeeeeeeeeee
Full #COLvMIN highlights » https://t.co/krh66CEbNq pic.twitter.com/2APynhceWe
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 20, 2017
San Jose were defeated by Sporting Kansas City, but what’s more, their sneakiness was used against them. A deflected shot that was going wide somehow snuck through David Bingham’s hands, deflected off his leg and went in the net. Absurdly sneaky, just not in favor of San Jose.
"The MLS can compete with the best in Europe" pic.twitter.com/Jq8HK6Dm4J
— Charlie (@TheCharIieOne) March 20, 2017
Our theory of Atlanta United simply having too many fans was slightly disproven after they defeated Chicago 4-0 in front of 45,922 spectators. However, it was the Fire, so the theory remains.
If it wasn't clear, @JosefMartinez17 formally announced his Golden Boot candidacy today. #ATLUTD pic.twitter.com/woiZ99sFJ7
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 18, 2017
Three weeks in and DC United remain the only club not to have scored a goal. However, with raccoons frequenting their decrepit RFK Stadium, the team has once again turned to their unofficial mascot to provide fans with some reason for joy. Cuddle power looks off the charts.
David Villa was held off the scoresheet in New York City’s 1-1 draw with Montreal. The Impact found a way to defend him.
Butt_Face.gif pic.twitter.com/oxNHKMW991
— Andy Edwards (@AndyEdMLS) March 18, 2017
We've always known about the strength of Seattle and Portland's tifo game, but FC Dallas brought the meme heat this weekend and Atlanta said no to racism.
The precocious little cherub boy of the Pacific Northwest is off and running. The 22-year-old sweetheart used his pair of little wings to flutter into the box and score. Not bad for a nascent toddler.
Look who's at it now . @JmoSmooth13 heads home the game-winner!
Full #MNTRewind: https://t.co/mZzbrDaWw8pic.twitter.com/8bGhWqjnc4
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) March 20, 2017
Minnesota United claimed their first point after dropping captain Vadim Demidov from the starting XI on Saturday. It just goes to show how powerful and influential he is, because Minnesota looked tremendously improved with Minnesota native Brent Kallman showing nothing but heart against Colorado.
Another home match for Orlando, another victory. Even without the injured Kaka Orlando City were still able to defeat Philadelphia behind a Cyle Larin brace — Scotland beware!
FT: Dance on, @CyleLarin.
Larin brace lifts @OrlandoCitySC past @PhilaUnion. #ORLvPHI pic.twitter.com/jIwbaINWc8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 19, 2017
Last week I said that Kellyn Acosta would climb these rankings with a solid performance against Pachuca in the CCL. He did this.
GOAL Dallas, Kellyn ACOSTA No. 23 | @FCDallas @Tuzos #SCCL #SoyAficionado https://t.co/VTYS1Kjp62
— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) March 16, 2017
The CONCACAF Champions League isn't MLS, but I make the rules.