Well, since we are two weeks into the new MLS season, a number of us gathered around the compound and started looking at the Power Rankings from MLS, ESPN, Backheeled, and other sources. And while many of the people are doing amazing work over there, some of their analysis is just lazy. To be fair, it’s impossible to watch all 15 matches in a MLS week especially when they are effectively in 5 time slots. (That being said, the compound is a huge fan of Sunday Night Soccer, especially when Messi-less Inter Miami is kicking Josh Wolff and the Houston Dynamo to the curb!)
As a result, we thought we could do better here at the False Nine to come up with rankings that we think are more open and honest based on how teams across the league are doing. We are dividing and conquering in trying to watch as many matches as possible so hopefully our collective wisdom tells us something. Our bats may give us better trajectory here than the chickens, but you’ll have to follow along with each week.
We did vote last week, but we were frankly too high off of Austin’s season opening win to post last week’s rankings. As a result, you will see the teams in order of this week’s rankings with a reference to what position we had them in last week.
- Columbus Crew (1): You probably didn’t expect an Austin FC blog to rank the Crew as the best team in the league. Neither did we to be honest. But through 2 MLS matches, they have been impressive, even if they lost in LA last night with a short handed squad on short rest after a trip to New England.
- Philadelphia Union (7): Part of the reason we love MLS is that this league is so damn unpredictable. Most of us didn’t have the Union making the playoffs much less being 2 in the Power Rankings after 2 weeks. Bradley Carnell is pulling off the same magic he had with St. Louis CITY in 2023 so far. We’ll see if the East adjusts.
- Inter Miami (3): Messi is Messi, but this team’s depth is far more impressive than last year’s version.
- LAFC (5): Even though they aren’t at full strength yet, they are going to be a force once again this season.
- Vancouver Whitecaps (8): The Whitecaps were less than impressive this offseason, but 6 points and advancing in CCC so far is noteworthy.
- San Jose Earthquakes (10): It’s still early, but maybe Bruce Arena is the real deal once again.
- New York Red Bulls (11): Another team that should get even better with future signings and that’s scary for the league
- Charlotte (14): Zaha isn’t washed up.
- Minnesota United (15): The defense looks much better than last year so far.
- Atlanta United (4): While Charlotte beat them up last week, we suspect that they will be a feature in the Top 10.
- FC Cincinnati (2): We probably reacted too strongly to their loss in Philly, but they do need more midfield depth. Will be curious what happens once Orellano returns.
- San Diego (13): Not conceding through 2 matches is very impressive for an expansion side.
- Orlando City (21): We guess that season opening loss to Philly does not look as bad now.
- NYCFC (12): Losing 1-0 at LAFC is nothing to be ashamed of.
- FC Dallas (16): Musa and Acosta are going to be a problem, but they need to work on the back line.
- Seattle Sounders (6): We are reacting too harshly to a loss in Utah, where they always lose, but the Sounders looked bad on Saturday afternoon.
- St. Louis CITY (17): A 0-0 draw on the road keeps you in the same spot frequently enough.
- Austin FC (9): A loss that came back down to earth for the Verde and Black.
- Real Salt Lake (30): Beating the Sounders will shoot your team up this list.
- Portland Timbers (29): And beating Austin will do something similar.
- Colorado Rapids (18): They are going to be fun this season, but the old FC Cincinnati defense needs work.
- DC United (25): This team should be more fun than we expected.
- LA Galaxy (19): Well this team doesn’t look like a repeat MLS Cup winner through two weeks.
- Chicago Fire (27): There is still some hope in GGG and the newly revamped squad, but dropping 2 points on a stoppage time bicycle kick is brutal.
- CF Montreal (20): This team still needs more time to gel.
- New England Revolution (23): Where are the goals going to come from?
- Nashville (22): Same as above
- Toronto (26): It’s going to take a lot to get them out of the basement this season.
- Sporting Kansas City (28): Well at least they don’t have to play more matches in CCC.
- Houston (24): They are thankful that the transfer window is still open through the end of April.
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