MLS Power Rankings as Teams Battle for MLS Cup Glory
As the MLS season approaches, playoff spots are up for grabs, and the race to win the MLS Cup heats up. With the League Cup over and the transfer window closed, every team wants a playoff spot. They also want to improve on last year. At this important point in the season, the best teams show who is the boss while others fight to stay alive. The Power Rankings (TPR) show you all 29 teams’ MLS power rankings and where they stand.
Here are the latest MLS power rankings. We include key info on the teams’ performances, summer signings, and likely results.
1 Columbus Crew (43 Points, 3rd in East)
People have said great things about the Crew this season. The summer signing of Dylan Chambost and DeJuan Jones has added depth and quality to the field. Despite losing stars like Aidan Morris and Marino Hinestroza, the Crew is still the team to beat. They play well together and have a balanced team. They were the best team in MLS before the break, so it’s no surprise that TPR puts them at the top of the MLS power rankings.
2 Inter Miami (53 Points, 1st in East)
Messi has gotten all the attention. But, Inter Miami’s team has been great even without him. Miami still leads the Supporters’ Shield. They are missing some key players over the summer. David Martinez has been a big help to the defense. They have been one of the best teams in the MLS power rankings this season.
3 LAFC (47 Points, 2nd in West)
As usual, LAFC made a statement when they signed Olivier Giroud, one of the world’s best players. They didn’t need to add such a big name, but this move makes their strong team even better. Even though Stipe Biuk and Mamadou Fall have left, they haven’t slowed down. They have so much depth that even their bench could fight for a playoff spot. It’s still important to pay attention to the Black and Gold.
4 LA Galaxy (49 Points, 1st in West)
Even though they lost in the Leagues Cup, the Galaxy have been alright in league play. Adding the legendary German player Marco Reus made their center more creative. They lost Daniel Aguirre and Jonny Perez. But, Dejan Joveljic will be back soon. That should boost their attack as the season nears.
5 Real Salt Lake (44 Points, 3rd in West)
Real Salt Lake did a lot of business during the time for transfers. They added Diogo Gonçalves and Benji Michel to their attack, but they lost Andrés Gomez, an important player. Without Gomez, their attack would have been different, but RSL has a good team that can adapt. These moves might make it harder to win the prize. The Power Rankings (TPR) say they will stay in the game.
6 FC Cincinnati (48 points, second in the East)
Cincinnati had a rough time before the League Cup break, but the break helped them. They fixed their defense by adding Chidozie Awaziem. Nicholas Gioacchini gave them more firepower up top. They are under pressure. They play Inter Miami next week. That will test their Supporters’ Shield chances.
7 New York Red Bulls (41 Points, 4th in East)
The Red B Tulls had a terrible League Cup, but the break has helped them get back on track. The team didn’t get a shooter. But, Felipe Carballo, their key summer signing, has added energy in midfield. The Red Bulls may struggle to stay steady while Emil Forsberg recovers from an injury. But, they are still in the playoff hunt.
8 Colorado Rapids (42 Points, 4th in West)
Under Chris Armas, Colorado has been one of the better teams this season. The Rapids haven’t made any big moves during the transfer window, but watching them play is always fun. They keep beating their opponents, so they might not have as high of a ceiling as some of the best teams in the West. But, they could sneak into the playoffs.
9 Charlotte FC (37 Points, 6th in East)
Tim Ream and Pep Biel were two big names who came to Charlotte to improve their team in the summer transfer window. Scott Arfield’s absence will impact the middle of the pitch. Charlotte has been all over the place all season. But now that they have added some playmakers, they might surprise some teams as the season ends.
10 Portland Timbers (36 Points, 8th in the West)
The Timbers are having a strong season without much attention. They lost two key players, Dairon Asprilla and Larrys Mabiala. But, Finn Surman and Mason Toye should help make up for it. The Timbers’ attack can compete with the best in the MLS when they’re at their best. They are still a dark horse to make the playoffs.
11 Vancouver Whitecaps (38 Points, 5th in West)
The Whitecaps have had a good season thanks to Ryan Gauld and Brian White’s play. They didn’t make any big moves in the transfer window. But, they’ve built a strong team and are rising in the MLS power ranks. Now that Édier Ocampo is on their team, their defense should be stronger as they get closer to the end.
12 Seattle Sounders (37 Points, 7th in West)
Seattle had a good run in the League Cup, and they’re starting to look like the team’s Brian Schmetzer used to coach. The Sounders didn’t make any moves during the trade window. They hope Pedro De La Vega’s return will help them improve their stats. When they’re fit, Seattle is a tough team that will try to reach their peak at the right time.
13 NYCFC (38 Points, 5th in East)
New York City FC needs to be more consistent this season. The club has young players who can turn things around. They can, despite losing key forwards like Andres Jasson and Talles Magno. If they can find stability, the New York City FC will be a team to watch as the playoffs get closer.
14 Houston Dynamo (37 Points, 6th in West)
The Dynamo added two players, Ezequiel Ponce and Lawrence Ennali. They haven’t made a difference yet. Texas is about to make a big move, but they need their new players to start performing well soon. They’ll be scary in the playoffs if they can get into a rhythm.
15 Philadelphia Union (27 Points, 10th in East)
Don’t give up on the Union yet. They’ve won six of their last seven games. So, they may be in good form at the right time. This team has the talent to make the playoffs. Samuel Adeniran and Danley Jean Jacques have joined.
16 Orlando City (34 Points, 7th in East)
After trying different lines earlier in the season, Orlando has found a way to be consistent. They didn’t add new players over the summer. Their team is finally coming together. In the tough Eastern Conference, Orlando must build momentum to secure a playoff spot.
17 Atlanta United (28 Points, 9th in East)
Atlanta’s season took a hit when they sold three important players for a lot of money. They had to depend on new players like Pedro Amador and Alexey Miranchuk. Even though they still have a chance to make the playoffs, Atlanta may use this season more to rebuild.
18 Minnesota United (33 Points, 9th in West)
Minnesota added a few players over the summer, but they will need some time to get used to their new teammates. With more players, the Loons can try for the playoffs. But, they aren’t as good as the top teams.
19 Toronto FC (30 Points, 8th in East)
With only Henry Wingo coming in, Toronto’s summer gave them little hope. However, this season is over for them because Bill Manning is gone, and a new front office will likely start soon. A playoff spot is still possible, but it’s clear that they’re going through a change.
20 Nashville SC (26 Points, 12th in East)
Nashville had a quiet time. Their coach is leaving, so bigger changes may come after this season. Adding BJ Callaghan could be exciting in 2025. But, this year has been about long-term plans.
21 FC Dallas (30 Points, 11th in West)
Dallas is still dealing with injuries, but Peter Luccin has done a great job as temporary head coach. The team will capture attention once it is fit. But, it is sustaining its current performance for now.
22 Austin FC (31 Points, 10th in the West)
Austin did well in the Leagues Cup, which should make them feel better about themselves. Osman Bukari and Matas will help. But, Danny Pereira is out. So, their chances of making the playoffs may fade.
23 Sporting Kansas City (29 Points, 11th in West)
SKC still hopes to make the playoffs, but its lack of stability has been annoying. It didn’t make any big signings over the summer, which could hurt its hopes. Critical stars will need to come back.
24 D.C. United (26 Points, 13th in East)
Wayne Rooney’s rebuild has sometimes looked good, but the results have yet to come. Fans may have to wait to see how good this team is. Most of the players they signed are for the future.
25 New England Revolution (20 Points, 14th in East)
During the trade window, New England aimed to cut excess players. But, their problems continued. By math, they’re still in the running for the playoffs, but it will be hard to get there.
26 St. Louis City (22 Points, 14th in West)
As one of the league’s newest teams, St. Louis is putting together a team for the future. Their team has some good players but needs more experienced ones to make a difference.
27 Chicago Fire (19 Points, 15th in East)
Chicago’s season has been terrible, and their trade moves have not given them much hope. The Fire will not make the playoffs again, and things will likely change.
28 Montreal Impact (15 Points, 15th in East)
After a rough start to the season, Montreal’s window was all about fixing things. Their losses have been bad, and they may need to rebuild soon.
29 San Jose Earthquakes (10 Points, 16th in West)
San Jose has many problems. Its inaction in the transfer market suggests it is planning for next year. If it wants to be competitive in 2025, it needs to start over.
MLS Power Rankings Summary
Every game in the 2024 season is becoming more important as it gets closer to the end. The top teams are competing for a playoff spot. The bottom teams are trying to save their seasons. MLS teams always make the games exciting. They try to reach the playoffs or win a trophy at the last minute. The Power Rankings (TPR) track everything. They give you the latest info on each MLS power rankings.
