Power Rankings never cease to spark outrage. But here at Backheeled? We’re not here to cause anger. No, we’re here to dissect the latest performances, trends, tactics, and news for each of MLS’s 30 clubs. Every week during the MLS season, Ben Wright will guide you through the Eastern Conference teams and Joe Lowery will do the same for the West.
Okay, fine. We’re also here to spark some outrage, because we’re ranking all 30 teams, too. Power Rankings are based on each club’s average position across Ben and Joe’s individual rankings. Onwards.
1. Philadelphia Union
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The Philadelphia Union look like they’re going to win the East, with a five-point lead heading into the final five matches. They’re in the driver’s seat for the Supporters’ Shield, too. They’ve done this, at least in part, by clobbering bad teams: in games against teams currently outside of the playoff spots, they’ve won 11, drawn two, and outscored their opponents by 20 goals.
Saturday’s 1-0 win over Cincinnati was a timely reminder that they can beat good teams, too. They’ve been swept by Nashville and are winless against Miami and Columbus. They haven’t exactly been the most convincing against the teams they’re likely to play in the playoffs. Besides Cincinnati, that is.
