MLS resumed this week on Wednesday with the 33rd round of games. Toronto FC continues to set the pace in the MLS but they have been a bit shaky of late. They actually had a two-game losing streak heading into their last game as they had fallen to Montreal and New England. However, they got back on track with a win over the New York Red Bulls. They’ve had some time to work things out after that win and will try to finish the season with some momentum.
There are just two games left in the season. The power rankings stay the same for the most part as the Eastern Conference seems to be in charge heading into the playoffs.
1. Toronto FC
Last Week: 1
MLS Cup Odds: +250
Toronto FC stays atop the rankings as the favorites to win the MLS Cup, and they have two games to beat the points record set by the LA Galaxy in 1998, when MLS also had shootouts. The Galaxy racked up 68 points, and that is what Toronto FC can equal on Sunday when they host the Montreal Impact, who can’t catch the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference.
2. New York City FC
Last Week: 2
MLS Cup Odds: +700
NYCFC can’t catch Toronto for first place in the Eastern Conference, and they’re simply trying to hold on to second place right now as Atlanta United FC are hot on their heels. Second place would give NYCFC a bye to the second round, which is always a good thing to go for, but they have to keep their foot on the gas on Sunday as they travel to face the New England Revolution.
3. Atlanta United FC
Last Week: 4
MLS Cup Odds: +1000
Atlanta United FC are three points behind New York City FC in the Eastern Conference, and the fact that they’ve already made it to the playoffs is massive. However, to get the bye in their first year would be extraordinary. Atlanta United FC will also be on the road this Sunday as they head out to face the New York Red Bulls, and two wins in their last two games could very well put them in the driver’s seat for a bye.
4. Vancouver Whitecaps
Last Week: 5
MLS Cup Odds: +1000
The Whitecaps are tops in the wild Western Conference on 51 points, but they’re only three points ahead of second-place Kansas City, and five points separates first place from fifth place. Two losses in their last two games and the Whitecaps could find themselves tumbling down the standings in the Western Conference, although they are safely in the playoffs. They fell 3-0 last week on the road against the New York Red Bulls in one of three games played last Saturday. They’ll be home on Sunday to host the San Jose Earthquakes.
5. Sporting Kansas City
Last Week: 3
MLS Cup Odds: +1000
Sporting Kansas City was also in action last week as they drew 1-1 at Minnesota United FC as Diego Rubio gave them the lead in first-half injury time. However, Sporting Kansas City couldn’t hold on to the lead and then lost another lead as they fell 2-1 on the road against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday. Jimmy Medranda scored in the first half, but an Erik Palmer-Brown own goal lost the game for Sporting Kansas City. They’ll return home to host the Dynamo on Sunday in a huge game.
6. Portland Timbers
Last Week: 6
MLS Cup Odds: +1000
The Timbers have been idle for almost two weeks, but they’re still third in the Western Conference, four points behind the Whitecaps and tied with the Seattle Sounders on 47 points. They also have a bit of an edge as they get to play their last two games at home, starting this Sunday as the Timbers host D.C. United, who are in last place in the Eastern Conference. This is good news for the Timbers as they have nine wins at home, and only two losses; they have nine losses on the road.
7. Chicago Fire
Last Week: 7
MLS Cup Odds: +1200
The Fire are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and can theoretically move into second place if New York City FC and Atlanta United FC falter. The Fire also have the Columbus Crew right behind them, so they can’t afford to let up just yet. They’ll be at home to host the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, and Nemanja Nikolic will be looking to add to his MLS-leading total of 21 goals. He is a goal ahead of Diego Valeri of the Timbers and NYCFC’s David Villa.
8. Seattle Sounders
Last Week: 8
MLS Cup Odds: +1200
The Sounders are in fourth place in the Western Conference, but like the Timbers, the Dynamo and FC Dallas, who hold onto the final playoff spots, they’re not out of the woods yet. Real Salt Lake and San Jose both have 42 points and if they win both of their games, they still have a chance. But the Sounders, like their biggest rivals from Portland, get to play their last two games of the regular season at home. They’ll host FC Dallas on Sunday in a massive game for both teams.
9. Columbus Crew
Last Week: 9
MLS Cup Odds: +1600
The Crew are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference on 50 points, so they can move up to second place if everything were to go right, like everyone ahead of them loses both games and they manage to win both games. However, the Crew will play their last two games of the regular season on the road and they start on Sunday against Orlando City SC, so they have to make these two games count.
10. New York Red Bulls
Last Week: 10
MLS Cup Odds: +2000
The Red Bulls came up big in their 3-0 home win over the Whitecaps to clinch the last spot in the Eastern Conference, getting goals from Daniel Royer, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Felipe Martins. The Red Bulls could move up to fourth, again, if everything goes right with them and the teams ahead of them lose. However, getting to the playoffs might be good enough for them and now, they can rest players ahead of their first-round matchup. They’ll play their home finale on Sunday against Atlanta United FC.
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